Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis' Denita Hedden search continues to be intense

ROYAL LAKES - The intense investigation into the disappearance of Denita Hedden continues. On Monday afternoon, those searching were focused on the Bunker Hill Reservoir No. 2 area.

Lt. Kris Tharp, Deputy Commander of the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis, made a comment late Monday night that the investigation continues and nothing new at the present to report about the search. The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis mobile command unit was present, with several unmarked police cars on Monday, so the search remains in full force.

Lt. Tharp has said it has been reported that Denita was last seen on the 700 block of Catalpa, Royal Lakes, Illinois, at 11 p.m. on Jan. 25, 2018. Lt. Tharp said the facts and circumstances surrounding Denita’s disappearance are considered suspicious by investigators.

An extensive search operation, spanning four consecutive days, has covered large portions of southern Macoupin County. First responders by way of land and air have canvassed over 35 square miles.
This endeavor has included more than 22,400 acres of rural terrain and 70 road miles. Air and ground searches have continued into the late evening hours of Friday, February 9, 2018.

Lt. Tharp has said the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis wants to emphasize the importance of Macoupin County property owners, farmers, and residents, inspecting their property for anything unusual in the interest of finding Denita or finding clues which would explain her disappearance. Investigators implore local residents traveling county and rural roadways to report anything unusual they may encounter or observe.
This request is made not only to those residing in the immediate vicinity of Royal Lakes, but also areas which may extend beyond perceived search boundaries. Even if first responders and search teams have been in your area please take a moment to check your surroundings.

Denita a white female, is 5’0”, and weighs approximately 110 pounds She was last observed wearing a maroon Nike hoodie sweatshirt, blue jeans, and brown boots. She was wearing hoop earrings. Images of Denita Hedden taken on Jan. 25, 2018, are attached to this press release for review.

Authorities encourage anyone with information about Denita or her whereabouts to contact local police.

If one wishes to remain anonymous they can do so.

The phone numbers to call are:

Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis 618-585-3510

St. Louis Regional Crimstoppers 1-866-371-TIPS (8477)

Macoupin County Sheriff’s Office 217-854-3135 Ext: 1

Macoupin and Montgomery County Crime Stoppers 41-800-352-0136

Chris Rhodes also contributed to this story.

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