FAQ/What We Know:
1. When did Emily disappear?
Emily was last seen in public by her neighbor on May 24, 2020. Emily was at her home and her neighbor saw her sometime between 7-8p. May 24th was also Emily’s birthday and she and her husband visited a natural spring in Buchtel, Ohio (near Athens, OH) that morning. Emily and her husband spent the afternoon and evening of the 24th in Uptown Westerville where they attended a Memorial Day flag ceremony and stopped at Jimmy V’s, The Old Bag of Nails, and Koble restaurants prior to coming home. Her husband reported that they went to bed shortly after returning home that evening.
2. When were police notified?
Emily was reported missing to the police just before 6p on Monday (5/25) by her husband. Her husband told police that when he awoke at about 10a on 5/25, she was gone. He initially believed she had gone for a walk and hadn’t returned. Police said her husband reported that he woke up sometime in the middle of the night to use the restroom and not wanting to disturb Emily, he went to go sleep in the other bedroom.
3. What did Emily take with her?
Emily did not take her phone, car, purse, wallet, keys, or ID. We do not know what she was wearing. Police executed a search warrant on the home and any information related to that search is under seal.
4. What are police doing to find her?
The Westerville Police extensively searched the land and water areas near her home and continue to do so. They’ve also gotten support from FBI, Texas Equesearch, and regional and state law enforcement. They’ve used drones, sonar, search dogs, search and rescue divers, and other search technologies in their efforts. Police collected video footage and any available ring camera footage in the search and have also spoken to neighbors and friends and coworkers of Emily. Search dogs did not pick up a scent of Emily leaving the home.
5. Have there been any sightings since 5/24?
There were early reports of Emily being spotted in Franklinton and the downtown Columbus, Ohio area as well as a few other locations in the Columbus metro area. However, there is a woman who looks a lot like Em often seen walking throughout downtown. If you think you see Em, try to snap a photo- a photo can be verified by friends and family almost immediately. Following up on leads takes energy and resources from the search efforts so a photo is enormously helpful- you’d be surprised how many petite women resembling Emily are wandering around the Columbus metro area at any given time! No early sightings of Emily were confirmed by police.
6) Who do I call if I have a tip to share with police?
If you have information related to Emily, especially from the dates of May 24 to today, contact the WPD Investigations section (614) 901-6881 or WPD Tipline (614) 901-6866 (via email at
tipline@westerville.org). Calls and information are anonymous. Information may also be provided on the non-emergency line at (614) 882-7444.
7) Is anyone checking area hospitals and shelters?
Local hospitals and shelters are being checked by police. Members of this group are emailing and sending flyers to hospitals and shelters regularly (under “announcements,” look for the map- it’s updated in real time). Coroners for Franklin Co and adjacent counties do not have any unidentified bodies matching Emily’s description since 5/24. A body found near the bike trail downtown in early June is not Emily.
8. How can I assist in the search efforts?
Check the map under “Announcements” for more information related to ongoing searches or check to see if a certain area has been searched. Please read the instructions above the map to best understand and utilize the map. Practice social distancing when you’re searching and please don’t go alone.
9. What flyer should I use to share with friends and neighbors?
We encourage everyone to print, post, or share the flyer posted under “Announcements.” If a stranger offers to pick up or drop off flyers to you, please meet in a public space, preferably outdoors, and wear a mask. Since we are in a pandemic, try to print your own flyers if possible. Make sure your flyers list the contact information for the Westerville Police and a detailed description and photo of Emily.
10. I heard that Emily was last seen on Monday morning?
There was an early report that a neighbor saw Emily in her garage on the morning of Monday, May 25 at around 9-10a. The neighbor has since recanted that statement as he was unable to remember which morning he saw her (Sunday or Monday).
11. What was Emily’s state of mind prior to her disappearance?
Emily’s closest friends and co-workers who spoke or texted with her in the days leading up to her disappearance say she was fine, no unusual behavior. Emily’s personal FB posts and comments/messages to others did not indicate any type of issue, illness, or crisis. Emily responded to happy birthday messages sent by friends on Facebook or via text throughout the day on Sunday.
12. Did Emily’s coworkers notice any change in her behavior at work?
Emily has worked for the State of Ohio in the Medicaid office for many years and had been working from home in the prior weeks due to the pandemic. She was supposed to be returning to work the week she went missing and many of her colleagues and coworkers were looking forward to being back together and seeing Emily. Many of Emily’s coworkers have known her for many years and have expressed shock and grief around her disappearance. She last logged on to her work email on May 22, 2020.
13. Are there areas other than Westerville where Emily might be?
Emily grew up in Westerville and had moved back there about 3 years ago. Prior to returning to Westerville, Emily spent many years living in the Italian Village area of the Short North, just north of downtown Columbus, OH. She’s a well known face in Italian Village and was active in her community. When Emily lived in the Short North area, she frequented local restaurants and businesses, and devoted hours of her time volunteering for music festivals and arts events, and lending her green thumb to neighborhood beautification projects. Emily could often be seen walking or riding her bike around the neighborhood and had many friends there. Emily’s friends and neighbors in her old neighborhood are shocked and saddened by her disappearance- many have known Emily for decades.
14. Who is running this group?
Emily’s friend Wendy started this group shortly after Emily went missing as a place to share information and updates related to Emily’s disappearance and search efforts. The page is being moderated and managed by friends of Emily wanting to assist in the search efforts and it is updated often. Emily’s sister also regularly shares vital information with our group and others as needed.
Note: A press conference was held by WDP on 6/18 and revealed new details that are updated above.
Emily loves nature and visiting all the Columbus area parks so please keep your eyes open for her in those places as well.
Police ask for help finding Westerville woman who disappeared the night of her birthday
Thank you!
