Missing In West St. Paul, Minnesota – A distressing situation unfolded on November 20, 2024, when 90-year-old Marilyn Locke West was reported missing in West St. Paul, Minnesota. The elderly woman, who had been visiting the 5-8 Grill & Tap in West St. Paul, vanished without a trace shortly after 3:30 p.m., leaving her family and the local community in deep concern. Marilyn was last seen driving her red 2003 Subaru Outback wagon (Minnesota license plate 195 XLH) as she attempted to return to her home in South St. Paul.
The Missing Person Alert that was issued by her family and local authorities has garnered widespread attention, and the community has been called upon to assist in the search for Marilyn. Her sudden disappearance, coupled with her age and health concerns, has raised alarm among her loved ones. Marilyn is described as 5 feet tall and weighing 118 pounds, with a medical guardian alert device on her person and a mini guardian system designed to help locate her in case of emergencies.
The initial reports indicate that Marilyn was last seen at the 5-8 Grill & Tap, a popular local establishment in West St. Paul, where she spent time with family or friends. By 3:30 p.m., she was returning to her home in South St. Paul, but she somehow became disoriented. Her red Subaru Outback, which she was driving, was tracked as it left the area and began to drive erratically. It is believed that she may have gotten lost while navigating her usual route back home.
A crucial piece of evidence in the search for Marilyn comes from her medical guardian device. This device, which was activated to help pinpoint her location in case of an emergency, provided a series of location pings that outlined the trajectory of her journey. The first ping occurred near 7601 Penn Ave S, Richfield, MN 55423, which is a considerable distance from her home. Shortly thereafter, the device registered another ping near 400 East Old Shakopee Road, Bloomington, MN 55420.
As the hours passed, the tracking device continued to update her location. The final known location pinged at around 7:00 p.m. near 1734 7th St W, Saint Paul, MN 55116. This series of pings indicates that Marilyn may have become confused, potentially driving in circles or taking an unexpected detour in the streets of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The lack of further updates after 7:00 p.m. has left law enforcement and her family uncertain, with the possibility that her phone or device may have malfunctioned or been left behind.
The authorities, including local police, state law enforcement, and federal agencies, have been fully mobilized in the search for Marilyn. A missing person alert was issued, and 911 calls were made to report her disappearance. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) has been working alongside the West St. Paul Police Department, South St. Paul Police Department, and other agencies to locate Marilyn. Additionally, the KOPS (Keep Our People Safe) messaging system was utilized to notify law enforcement across various jurisdictions about the ongoing search.
The disappearance of Marilyn Locke West has sparked an outpouring of support from the community. Many local residents, including friends, neighbors, and even strangers, have stepped forward to offer assistance in locating her. Social media platforms have become an essential tool for spreading the word, with a dedicated group of people using hashtags like #FindMarilynLockeWest and #MissingPersonMN to help raise awareness.
Family members have also reached out to the public for help. Marilyn’s niece, Karin Housley, took to social media to appeal to the community for assistance. She asked for “keen eyes and a prayer army” to help find Marilyn, encouraging people to keep watch for any sign of the missing woman or her red Subaru Outback. Her message has been widely shared across various social networks, further amplifying the search effort.
In times of crisis like this, social media plays a significant role in connecting communities and law enforcement, often helping to provide critical information that can lead to the recovery of missing persons. The power of digital networks has allowed the search for Marilyn to reach far beyond the local community, gaining national attention
As of now, law enforcement agencies are focusing on key areas where Marilyn’s location has been pinged. These areas, including Richfield, Bloomington, and South St. Paul, are all relatively close to one another, and search teams have been scouring these regions for any sign of her vehicle or her whereabouts. Investigators have been checking local surveillance cameras, street corners, and parking lots, looking for any clues that could provide further insight into her movements after the last known ping at 7:00 p.m.
In addition to the traditional search methods, law enforcement is also utilizing specialized technology, such as aerial drones and infrared cameras, to cover larger areas. Given the uncertainty of Marilyn’s location after the last update, authorities are carefully coordinating their efforts to track potential routes she may have taken and assess areas where she might have become stranded or encountered difficulty.
Search teams have been communicating with the family regularly to provide updates and to ensure that the search remains focused and organized. While no new significant leads have surfaced, the search remains ongoing.
The case of Marilyn Locke West has become a matter of urgency due to her advanced age, medical condition, and the winter season fast approaching. Older adults with medical conditions or cognitive impairments may face significant challenges when they are lost, particularly when the cold temperatures and potential disorientation are factors to consider.
As the search continues, authorities have urged the public to report any information they may have about Marilyn’s whereabouts. The police have emphasized that even small details or sightings could be crucial in locating her and ensuring her safety.
For those who may have seen Marilyn or her vehicle on November 20, 2024, or have any information that could aid the investigation, the public is encouraged to contact 911 immediately. Every tip, no matter how seemingly insignificant, could be a vital piece of the puzzle.
The disappearance of Marilyn Locke West has left her family and the greater community of Saint Paul, Minnesota, in a state of shock and concern. With the efforts of local authorities, volunteers, and the general public, there is hope that she will be found safe and reunited with her loved ones. As the search continues, her family remains steadfast in their hope for her safe return, urging everyone to stay vigilant and to keep the search going.
For those wishing to assist in any way, sharing information, keeping an eye out for Marilyn’s red Subaru Outback, and praying for her safe return can all play a vital role in this ongoing effort. Marilyn Locke West is a beloved member of the community, and every effort counts in bringing her home.