OH OH - Vendula “Wendy” Rose, Marysville, 24 Sept 2024, Camping in AL and did not return

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Interesting that her vehicle was found in Alabama yet the missing person poster says that the Marysville police in Ohio are handling the case. Wouldn’t you expect law enforcement in Alabama to be handling the case?
 
Interesting that her vehicle was found in Alabama yet the missing person poster says that the Marysville police in Ohio are handling the case. Wouldn’t you expect law enforcement in Alabama to be handling the case?
Most people think that, however, without evidence of a crime being committed in another state, the law enforcement agency where the person was last seen or lives, to whom the initial missing persons report was formally made normally heads up the investigation. In this case it was the Ohio Police, where Wendy lives, that received the formal missing persons report. It's a pretty detailed process: LE should (based on standard police protocols which obviously can vary slightly from jurisdiction to jurisdiction):

After obtaining a detailed description of the missing person and any available recent photographs or videos LE should:
1. Secure the premises or area where the person was last seen as a crime scene.
2.Conduct a full search of the place the missing person was last seen as soon as reasonably possible to verify that the person is missing. If a thorough search of the location is unproductive, the search area should be expanded( consent or a search warrant may be necessary to search each location.
3. Look for signs of foul play and check for indications of missing personal belongings, especially valuables such as cellphones or other forms of technology.
4.Determine if any cameras exist in the area, such as those related to home or business surveillance, and/or traffic cameras. If yes, recordings should be obtained.
5. Review social media and/or networking (missing person’s internet activity) Collect such information as email addresses, social media presence, and screen names. Review the missing person’s cellphone or other communication device, when available.
6. Collect as much information as possible regarding the individual’s demeanor, routine, potential reactions, potential presence of a disability and habits.
7. Conduct interviews with: a. The individual(s) who made the initial report; b. Those who last saw the person; c. Individuals who have the closest personal relationships with the missing person (this may not always be a family member) and d. Anyone at the scene of the disappearance.
8.. Coordinating with local media and other resources to distribute information regarding the missing person and potential persons of interest. Agencies should identify who has the authority to release information related to the case.
9. Providing identification and related information to the responding agency, appropriate missing persons authorities, and neighboring law enforcement agencies, including those in a multi state investigation.
10. Document a record of actions taken and information obtained and provide continuous updates to communications as new information is obtained. More information on reporting and follow up on missing persons here (DOJ source): Report and Identify Missing Persons
 
In reference to the MISSING PERSON Mrs. Vendula Rose...


We have released information to the local news channels with the information in which we have gathered to this point. We are working diligently to look at every scenario we possibly can and use every resource we possibly can with the efforts of this case.


We want to take a moment to thank each and every agency and civilian who has helped with this case. There were so many volunteers, 9's, & Equine groups that assisted along with the Aviation Unit and other Law Enforcement Agencies. There are simply too many to mention at this time.


Search efforts are still continuing in designated areas of interest that wasn't covered this past weekend.


We anticipate releasing another Media Release on Tuesday at some point as the case continues to progress and as we continue to build information related to this case.


At this time, no evidence has led us to believe that there is any foul play suspected.


Mrs. Rose is still considered MISSING and we are actively searching her whereabouts. If you plan to be in the area on any of the trails in the National Forest around Cheaha State Park and see something out of the ordinary or speak with Mrs.


Rose, we ask that you contact the Cleburne County Sheriff's Department, Investigator Sims at


256-463-2277 ext. 110.
 
This story has a bit more information.

Crews search in designated areas for missing Ohio woman described as 'avid hiker'

"Trying to dig deeper into her cellphone, her GPS history, just technology in general, to try to get an idea of maybe what was going on, whether it be some type of mental disturbance or whether it be something else," said Nolen.

The sheriff's office has contacted Garmin for information on a GPS tracker Rose is seen wearing in a picture while hiking. However, it appeared Rose had not logged into her account in two years. It is unclear what information the department will receive.

There wasn't much left behind in her car, just a few minor clothes and extra shoes, along with a couple of notebooks, and minor items. So clearly she took all of her camping gear with her.
"We did find some notes and stuff in there that we are looking into. We are not ready to disclose that information just yet. We just had the Oxford Police Department pull the hard drive from the vehicle to get a more accurate location of GPS, timeframes of where the vehicle was and what days and what times," said Nolen.

Rough timeline:
- around Sep 20 - left Marysville OH (nr Columbus)
- arrived in Cleburne County AL; went to Cobb County GA; went back to Cleburne Co AL [why the back and forth?]
- Sep 23 - last time cell phone was used [then either cell phone problem or turned off
- Sep 24 - car caught on Flock camera on Friendship Rd in Oxford AL
- Sep 29 - park staff noticed her car in the parking lot at the Pinhoti trailhead at Cheaha State Park. [not sure how long it was there prior to that. It could have been there since Sep 24 or anytime after that.]
- Oct 2 - Wendy reported missing to Marysville police


It's about a 10 hour drive from Marysville to Cleburne Co. AL.
I also noted that Friendship Drive in Oxford would be on the route driving from Oxford to Cheaha. So she didn't necessarily stay in Oxford.
 
This news article stated her custom license plate read "CHKSFLY". Ohio police searching for Missing Woman who went on camping trip in Alabama Reading that I figured she was a pilot and looked her up in the public faa.gov airmen certification verification system. www.faa.gov. She has a private pilots license for small single engine planes but hasn't been medically certified to fly since 2015. Note: If she is only flies light sport aircraft she doesn't have to have a medical to fly, (just a driver's license and no known disqualifying medical condition). The records list a Ohio address. From that I found THIS - a young female ROTC cadet helped save her mother's life (mother being Vendula Rose) when the Mom became unresponsive and needed CPR. Ohio Cadet Honored for Saving Mother's Life The missing woman IS her Mom as photos of them together are on their FB pages. (can't link the daughters social media per the forum rules). I'm concerned now that "Wendy" has a underlying serious medical condition that might have left her unable to finish her hike/camping trip and she's still out there. I'm spreading the news among all my pilot friends who live in Alabama.
Great sleuthing.

jmo
 
OCT 8, 2024
Authorities in Alabama give update on search for missing Marysville woman.
  • Before Rose traveled to Alabama on Sept 20, she spoke with family members about leaving personal items in a safe deposit box and left her work keys at her job, which was abnormal.
  • Her vehicle was found parked at the head of Pinhoti Trail.
  • When she didn't return to work on Oct 4 as scheduled, a missing person report was filed.
  • A search covering more than 30 miles was conducted.
  • LE found items in Rose's vehicle which suggested a mental health crisis, including a magazine and a box of ammunition missing 7 rounds.
  • Authorities said all known locations she visited have been checked and no other evidence was found.
  • Rose's family shared that she has been interested in the Appalachian and Pinhoti Trails, and they have reason to believe she may be traveling the Pinhoti Trail toward the Dugger Mountain area north of the park.
 
OCT 8, 2024
Authorities in Alabama give update on search for missing Marysville woman.
  • Before Rose traveled to Alabama on Sept 20, she spoke with family members about leaving personal items in a safe deposit box and left her work keys at her job, which was abnormal.
  • Her vehicle was found parked at the head of Pinhoti Trail.
  • When she didn't return to work on Oct 4 as scheduled, a missing person report was filed.
  • A search covering more than 30 miles was conducted.
  • LE found items in Rose's vehicle which suggested a mental health crisis, including a magazine and a box of ammunition missing 7 rounds.
  • Authorities said all known locations she visited have beeno checked and no other evidence was found.
  • Rose's family shared that she has been interested in the Appalachian and Pinhoti Trails, and they have reason to believe she may be traveling the Pinhoti Trail toward the Dugger Mountain area north of the park.
oh no.

jmo
 
OCT 8, 2024
Authorities in Alabama give update on search for missing Marysville woman.
  • Before Rose traveled to Alabama on Sept 20, she spoke with family members about leaving personal items in a safe deposit box and left her work keys at her job, which was abnormal.
  • Her vehicle was found parked at the head of Pinhoti Trail.
  • When she didn't return to work on Oct 4 as scheduled, a missing person report was filed.
  • A search covering more than 30 miles was conducted.
  • LE found items in Rose's vehicle which suggested a mental health crisis, including a magazine and a box of ammunition missing 7 rounds.
  • Authorities said all known locations she visited have been checked and no other evidence was found.
  • Rose's family shared that she has been interested in the Appalachian and Pinhoti Trails, and they have reason to believe she may be traveling the Pinhoti Trail toward the Dugger Mountain area north of the park.
The magazine and ammo could be because she carried while hiking/camping alone. Depending on the area and the risk of predators in the area, I sometimes carry a pistol when outdoors, in rough and remote terrain, if alone. But I'm trained in using it (am a firearm instructor, self defense for women mostly), and my family knows it's something I do. In this case, her family should should know if that's something she typically did or if it's unusual and a cause for alarm.
 

rose's backpack

Cleburne County Sheriff's Office
Rose’s backpack

rose's hammock

Cleburne County Sheriff's Office
Rose’s hammock
 

Timeline of events:
  • Prior to 9/20/2024 - Rose spoke with family and friends about taking a hiking trip to Alabama. ROSE also spoke with family about leaving some personal belongings in a Safe Deposit Box at her bank. ROSE also left her work keys with her employer which was abnormal for her prior to her leaving for the trip.
  • 9/20/2024 – ROSE left Ohio for the trip to Alabama.
  • 9/20/2024 - ROSE entered into Alabama and arrived in the Dugger Mountain area of Cleburne/Calhoun County and hiked that portion of the Pinhoti Trail.
  • 9/23/2024 - ROSE left Alabama and traveled to South Carolina.
  • 9/24/2024 - ROSE arrived in South Carolina in the early morning.
  • 9/24/2024 - ROSE came back to Cleburne County, Alabama in the evening hours.
  • 9/24/2024 - ROSE traveled to Oxford, AL in which we were able to confirm ROSE on camera making a purchase at a business and leaving the business alone.
  • 9/24/2024 – ROSE traveled to Cheaha State Park where her vehicle was parked at the Pinhoti Trail head just outside of the Cheaha State Park.
  • 10/4/2024 – ROSE was reported to have not returned to work as she was scheduled to. A missing persons report was filed in Marysville, Ohio.
  • 10/5/2024 – Cleburne County Sheriff’s Department was notified that the vehicle belonging to ROSE was confirmed to be at the Pinhoti Trail Head. Units responded and with the Assistance of the Cheaha State Park Ranger, an immediate search of the park was conducted.
  • 10/6/2024 – A coordinated Ground Search was conducted covering around 36 plus trail miles with volunteers from Law Enforcement Agencies, Rescue Squads, Fire Departments, K9 Teams, and Equine. Aviation also searched the area.
  • 10/7/2024 – The vehicle was processed to search for any type of evidence to assist with the investigation. The contents of the vehicle did produce multiple notes that were deemed as abnormal for ROSE unless she was having a mental health crisis. A magazine as well as a box of ammunition missing seven rounds of ammunition was also located in the vehicle. The data from the vehicle GPS was recovered to assist with confirming dates and locations of travel.
  • 10/8/2024 – All known locations have been checked that ROSE visited to find no other evidence.
 

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