Police Search For Missing 6-Year-Old Girl After Mother 'Involved' In Her Disappearance Kills Self

KEY POINTS

Lisa Wade was found dead Saturday
Her daughter, Elle Ragin, was last seen at home two weeks back
The police seek public assistance in locating the missing girl

Northfield, Minnesota, -- Police in Minnesota are searching for a 6-year-old girl after her mother who is believed to be "involved" in the child's disappearance died in an apparent suicide.

The 39-year-old mother, identified as Lisa Wade from Northfield, was found dead Saturday after deputies who received a call from one of her extended family members reached the apartment. Shortly after discovering Wade's body, officers realized that her daughter, Elle Ragin, was missing. Ragin was last seen at her home two weeks back, Police Chief Mark Elliott told reporters Sunday, Law & Crime reported.

"Police have reason to believe that Wade may have been involved in the disappearance of her 6-year-old daughter before taking her own life," according to a news release from the City of Northfield.

ENDANGERED MISSING PERSON: Northfield PD is requesting the public’s assistance locating Elle Ragin, 6, approx. 3’6”, 45 lbs, brown hair, brown eyes. Elle Ragin’s mother, Lisa Wade, 39, was located deceased of an apparent suicide July 2 in their Northfield apartment. pic.twitter.com/1kHVp6rbkq
— Minnesota BCA (@MnDPS_BCA) July 4, 2022

However, investigators did not reveal how Wade was involved in the girl's missing case and did not comment if the former had any mental health history.

Meanwhile, authorities said they had no previous contact with both Wade and her daughter before the incident. When asked if they suspect any foul play in the girl's missing, police said they were "unsure" about it at this point. The officials also confirmed there were no other persons of interest except Wade.

Ragin is described as a 3′6″ tall girl with curly brown hair and brown eyes, weighing around 45 pounds.

"Police are actively investigating this case and are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 6-year-old Elle Ragin. If anyone has seen Elle Ragin or her mom Lisa Wade in the past two weeks, we ask that they call the Northfield Police Department at 507-645-4477 and share that information," the news release said.

The search team, involving K9s and police helicopters, are conducting a door-to-door search, speaking to neighbors and looking through cornfields near the local townhouses. The rescue team is also checking cameras in the area. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is currently assisting the investigation.

The officials, however, did not issue an amber alert as there is no information on other suspects or a vehicle involved in the case.

If you have thoughts of suicide, confidential help is available for free at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Call 1-800-273-8255. The line is available 24 hours, every day.