Body of Elizabeth Olten Recovered

"Person of Interest", a juvenile is in custody.

Oct 23, 2009 - Family Speaks About Death

We talked to a family spokeswoman, and she told us more about Elizabeth Olten. "She was a wonderful, happy, shy child. I never saw her argue with her mother, sister, or anyone," says Liza Adrian, Elizabeth's sister-in-law. "She was always helpful with taking care of my kids, and her sisters kids. She enjoyed going over to sleepover's with my niece." Adrian also said the family is deeply saddened by her loss, and are still in shock that she is gone.  Posted by Adam Forgie

Oct 23, 2009 - Juvenile in Custody in Olten Disappearance

The Cole County Sheriff's Department tells us - the body of 9-year-old Elizabeth Olten has been found. A juvenile is in custody, connected to the death. Authorities believe the juvenile knew of the family but was not directly connected to them. Elizabeth's cell phone was found, and investigators say hand written notes and other physical evidence lead them to the suspect. That suspect led them to Elizabeth’s body. All we know at this point is the body was found in a wooded area and is being recovered. Elizabeth went missing Wednesday evening, walking home from a friends house just a few blocks away. Since that time hundreds of people had been searching for her. We have a reporter at the scene getting more information from Sheriff's Department.   Posted by Adam Forgie

Oct 23, 2009 - Body Recovered

We've learned that the body of Elizabeth Olten has been recovered. Stay tuned for more details.  Posted by Adam Forgie

Oct 23, 2009 - Family releases statement to ABC 17

A spokesperson for the Olten family says for those who may have been turned away from the volunteer search effort, there are other ways they can help out. The family wants people to call the Red Cross to see what they can do, pass out flyers in surrounding areas and just walk in their own neighborhoods.  Posted by Kristie Reeter

Oct 23, 2009 - Nearly 70 People Searching Friday

Fewer volunteers are out Friday looking for 9-year-old Elizabeth Olten. Officials said that was in an attempt to make searches more concentrated and focused. Law enforcement agencies also said they are receiving several calls from a tip line set up for the case.  Posted by Matt LeBlanc

Oct 23, 2009 - News Conference Set for 3 p.m.

Cole County officials have called a 3 p.m. news conference to discuss the progress of a search for the 9-year-old girl. Since she was first reported missing Wednesday night, officials have updated reporters periodically.  Posted by Matt LeBlanc

Posted by Kristie Reeter on Thu Oct 22, 2009
Last updated May 7, 2010

Crews will be out again Friday morning after the search for 9-year-old Elizabeth Olten was stopped for the night.

Still authorities want to get keep up on leads so they've established a tip line for people to call at 866-362-6422.

While Cole County Sheriff's deputies have been working numerous leads, they haven't found anything during the search, not even the cell phone that was traced back to a wooded area near Elizabeth's home.

The FBI, ATF and Water Patrol have all been called in, and they've been searching ponds and lakes by the home.

Nearly 300 volunteers have come out to help, so many they've had to turn some people away.

Officials say they ended the search because it was rainy, dark and many crews have been out there for more than 24 hours.

The family tells ABC 17 they understand why the search had to end for the night, but want her back.