In a tragic turn of events, the Winona Police Department in southeastern Minnesota has confirmed that the human remains found earlier this week belong to Madeline Kingsbury, a mother of two who went missing on March 31. The news of the identification came during a press conference held on Thursday by Winona Police Chief Tom Williams. This development follows the arrest of the children’s father, Adam Fravel, on probable cause. Here are the latest updates on the case.
Confirmation of Identity:
During the press conference, Chief Williams expressed his condolences to Kingsbury’s family and acknowledged the sorrowful nature of the discovery. The attendees were visibly moved, with some heard crying, as Williams delivered the update. The Winona Police Department is now focused on gathering further evidence and building a strong case.
Father Arrested:
On Wednesday, law enforcement officers apprehended Adam Fravel, the father of Kingsbury’s two children, in connection with the case. The arrest was made based on information obtained during the investigation into Kingsbury’s disappearance. Fravel was taken into custody without incident, but specific charges were not announced by the police. However, records from the Winona County Detention Center indicate that Fravel is being held on a second-degree murder charge.
Discovery of Remains:
The human remains, confirmed to be Madeline Kingsbury, were found on Wednesday afternoon in a wooded area off Highway 43 in Fillmore County. Winona Police Chief Williams emphasized that the location where the body was discovered was not on property owned by Fravel or his relatives. This significant development in the case offers some closure for Kingsbury’s family, who have endured weeks of uncertainty and pain.
Custody of Children:
Following Kingsbury’s disappearance, the Winona County Health and Human Services Department took custody of her children, aged 5 and 2, as stated in court documents. A judge ruled in April that the children would remain in county custody rather than be released to their father. Fravel did not have custodial rights to the children prior to Kingsbury’s disappearance, according to court records.
Ongoing Investigation:
The investigation into Madeline Kingsbury’s disappearance and the circumstances surrounding her death is still active. Law enforcement officials continue to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and work towards bringing justice to the case. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
The confirmation of Madeline Kingsbury’s identity and the arrest of Adam Fravel have brought a mixture of relief and sorrow to the community. While this tragic incident has left a void in the lives of those who knew her, the ongoing investigation aims to shed light on the circumstances surrounding her disappearance and subsequent demise. As the case unfolds, authorities remain committed to seeking justice for Madeline Kingsbury and her grieving family.