Police Search Residence As Part Of 1989 Missing Girl Case
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- There could be a new development in a missing persons case from 1989. Authorities announced Sunday they executed a search warrant as part of the decades-old investigation.
The search warrant was executed around 9 a.m. Sunday at a residence on the 9700 block of Hemlock Lane North in Maple Grove.
At a press conference Sunday afternoon, Maple Grove Police Captain Keith Terlinden says it's in connection to the disappearance of Amy Sue Pagnac, who was 13 years old at the time. Pagnax used to live in the residence searched Sunday.
"We plan on being on this site for several days and we'll try as much as we can not to disrupt the community," Terlinden said.
On Aug. 5, 1989, Amy went on a day-trip with her non-biological father, Marshall Midden, to a family property in Isanti County. On the way home, the two stopped at a Holiday gas station in Osseo. Amy waited in the car while Midden used the restroom.
Midden told authorities that when he returned to the car, Amy was gone.
Mellisa Johnson, Amy's childhood friend, remembers the day well.
"It just feels like it was just yesterday that, you know, the feelings of what I felt for her, the frustration and anger, and scared for her," Johnson said.
Amy's mother, Susan Pagnac, had no idea investigators had a lead until they showed up at her house with a search warrant.
"Over 20 years now – 25 – trying to get [police to] move and do things," she said. "So, you can't really complain when they do that, even if you're not sure why they're doing what they're doing."
Susan wouldn't comment on if police were considering her a suspect, but does say she hopes someone has information.
"Even if they have not come forward or been contacted, they need to do that. The time is now for people to help bring Amy home," Susan said.
The latest search is part of an effort between Maple Grove Police, the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Police are being quiet on the exact reason why they're at the residence.
"The actual details of why we're here today, I can't give them to you at this time," Terlinden said. "The search warrant that we executed today is a sealed document, so it will not be public data."
Terlinden says no one is in custody at this time.