New details are emerging this afternoon regarding the disappearance of six-year-old Northfield girl Elle Ragin. Authorities are currently
searching Mississippi River County Park in Stearns County along with the section of the river that runs through the area, after discovering connections and evidence pertinent to the case.
On Saturday morning, Northfield police were called to a residence at 604 Maple Brook Court, the home Elle shared with her mother, 39-year-old Lisa Wade. Upon entry, they discovered Wade’s body, the victim of an apparent suicide. Police have said there is reason to believe that Wade may have been involved in Elle’s disappearance before taking her own life.
According to authorities, Elle was last seen on Sunday, June 19th. During the investigation, authorities learned that Wade had driven to Mississippi River Park in Stearns County on June 21st, based on cell phone records. They said Wade’s phone shut off at 3pm that afternoon and has not turned on since.
Two days later, on June 23rd, a maintenance worker in the park encountered Wade, who was alone. The worker contacted the Stearns County Sheriff’s Department. Wade told a deputy that she had lost her keys, phone and ID while hiking the trails in the park. The deputy arranged for her car to be towed to a dealership where Wade obtained a new key. During these encounters, Wade evidently made no mention of her daughter.
Northfield Chief of Police Mark Elliott said over the last thirty-six hours a search of the area has turned up Elle’s cell phone, which was found on dry land, and Wade’s purse, containing her cell phone, keys and driver’s license, in the river.
Elliot said Wade had contact with family members during the week of June 25th and was described as “distraught.” There is also video of Wade at various locations between June 23rd and July 2nd without Elle. The relationship between mother and daughter has been described as “very close,” and for either of them to be seen without the other is unusual.
Elliott said the investigation remains open. Mississippi River Park and the section of the Mississippi River are closed until further notice.
