Sheriff: ‘Hundreds’ of Hours Invested in Search for Missing Edina Woman

By Echo Menges

 

MEDIA: Video Interview YouTube Link Below

EDINA, Mo. — 1 p.m. Friday, May 22, 2026 — Knox County Sheriff Carl Knoche said Friday that “hundreds” of man-hours have already been invested in the investigation into the disappearance of missing Edina woman Lindsey Watts as multiple agencies continue working the case around the clock.

Watts, 35, of Edina was reported missing Wednesday after family members discovered she was no longer at her residence on North Fifth Street. Authorities have described the disappearance as “very concerning.”

Speaking Friday afternoon outside the Knox County Courthouse, Knoche said investigators are continuing to withhold details about the circumstances surrounding Watts’ disappearance because of the active investigation.

“The circumstances behind that are not going to be released at this time due to the integrity of the case as this is an active and ongoing investigation that is in full swing,” Knoche said.

Knoche asked the public for patience as investigators continue pursuing leads.

“Have confidence that when it’s the right time for me to release things to the public, I will address you as so,” Knoche said. “Now is not that time.”

According to Knoche, agencies assisting with the investigation include the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Kirksville Police Department, Lewis County Sheriff’s Office and other surrounding agencies.

“We’ve got analysts,” Knoche said. “We’ve got everybody down at the state that are doing things for us. There’s a lot of behind-the-scenes things that are happening that we’re not putting forth to the public and we are moving forward.”

Knoche said investigators have been working “solid for the last two days” and confirmed that law enforcement has been receiving a large number of tips from the public.

“We are getting tons of tips,” Knoche said. “No matter how small you think it is, call us and let us know.”

The sheriff also urged residents who may have previously contacted authorities and not received a return call to contact the sheriff’s office again.

“If you have left us a message or anything, call us again,” Knoche said. “You’re not bothering us. We’re here. We want to hear from you.”

Knoche also addressed community concerns Friday, saying investigators have uncovered no evidence suggesting there is any ongoing danger to the public.

“There’s no evidence at this time that I have come across or we have come across that leads me to believe that there is any danger to the public,” Knoche said. “This is an isolated incident.”

Anyone with information regarding Watts’ whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Knox County Sheriff’s Office at 660-397-2186, extension 1.

YOUTUBE VIDEO INTERVIEW LINK https://youtu.be/vvXukUAJ2dY?si=pifTsJUBy7itYCgG

Background 

Watts, 35, of Edina was last seen Tuesday night, May 19, at approximately 11 p.m. after returning home from work at The Blessing Center in Edina. Family members discovered Wednesday morning that she was no longer at her North Fifth Street residence and reported her missing later that day. During the investigation, Knoche determined Watts was missing her vehicle, car keys, wallet and money. Knoche also located Watts’ cellphone in a ditch near her residence.

Description

Watts is described as approximately 5-foot-2, weighing about 125 pounds, with long brown hair and brown eyes. It is unknown what clothing she was wearing at the time of her disappearance.