Joint Statement on the Missing Altoona Person/Death Investigation

JOINT STATEMENT OF ALTOONA, WISCONSIN POLICE DEPARTMENT, ADAMS COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, AND THE WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE ON THE MISSING ALTOONA PERSON/DEATH INVESTIGATION

ALTOONA - The Altoona Police Department opened a missing persons investigation December 28, 2009 into what appeared to be the disappearance of Theresa Lynn Still, 43 of Altoona. Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation assistance was requested in this investigation.

Adams County Sheriff Darrell Renner reported the discovery in rural Adams County of a deceased individual December 30, 2009. Sheriff Renner commenced an investigation into the nature of the individual's death and requested assistance from the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation.

Early preliminary identification concluded the deceased individual discovered in Adams County met a description approximate to that of the missing Ms. Still. At which time, collaborative efforts began to ascertain certain identity and establish a cause of death. An autopsy was begun early afternoon today in Madison, Wisconsin. Results of the autopsy are not expected until tomorrow, January 1, 2010.

Adams County Sheriff Darrell Renner, in reassuring Adams County residents stated, "This incident has every indication of an isolated occurance. I and my investigative partners believe there in no reason for a further concern for safety for citizens of Adams County."

This remains an ongoing investigation.

The Altoona Police Department will release further information as it becomes available.

Citizens with information about this matter are encouraged to telephone the Altoona Police Department at 715-839-6090, the Adams County Sheriff's Department at 608-339-3304, or the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation 608-266-1671.