By Jennifer Champagne
Managing Editor
The investigation into the disappearance of 65-year-old Starla Goings intensified this week as Alger County Sheriff Todd Brock confirmed a search warrant was executed Tuesday at the Peninsula Point Road property belonging to Starla’s husband, Stephen C. Goings.
“We did serve a search warrant on the property yesterday,” Brock told The Beacon Wednesday evening after issuing a press release seeking more information from the public. “We’re following the leads as they come in. We’re following the evidence as it comes in, and wherever those leads and evidence take us, that’s where we’re going to go.”
The warrant was executed with the assistance of the Michigan State Police and Rescue 21 volunteers. Brock declined to provide details about the nature of the search or whether any items were recovered, citing the active and ongoing investigation.
More than 10 weeks missing
Goings was last seen the night of Aug. 15. Her disappearance has now stretched more than 10 weeks. Her orange 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan was located on Aug. 17 near the intersection of 16 Mile Lake/M-94. There has been no confirmed sighting of her since.
“The investigation into Starla’s disappearance remains a high priority,” Brock said. “We are working every day and are following all possible evidence and investigative leads. We want the public to know that we are doing everything we can to bring answers into her disappearance for her family and for our community.”
Search efforts ongoing
Brock said deputies have covered “mile after mile after mile” in search operations, canvassing wooded areas, remote terrain and properties in and around Munising and Au Train Township. Despite intensive efforts, investigators are still waiting on forensic evidence results to come in and hope that new leads will help advance the case.
“We’re hoping that this press release will trigger some knowledge,” he said. “‘Oh yeah, I remember I got a game camera in this area. Oh yeah, I remember I got a camera at my residence that may have picked something up.’”
Investigators specifically urge residents to review surveillance or trail camera footage from Aug. 15-17 in the 16 Mile Lake/M-94 area, as well as throughout Munising and Au Train townships.
Foul play not ruled out
When asked whether foul play remains a possibility nearly 11 weeks into the investigation, Brock said, “We are simply following the evidence that’s presented to us. As the evidence comes back, we continue to follow the evidence.”
Community impact
Brock acknowledged the toll the case has taken on not only Starla’s family, but also law enforcement and the broader community.
“We are all very heavily invested in this case,” he said. “It’s of top priority and importance for our agency to solve this case for the family and for the community. Starla was a very nice person. She was liked and loved by a lot of people.”
What’s new
- Starla’s disappearance is being treated as a missing persons case in which foul play could be a factor.
- Sheriff confirms for the first time a search warrant executed at the home property of Starla’s husband, Stephen Goings.
- Michigan State Police participated in the operation.
- Investigators continue to treat the case as a high-priority missing persons investigation where foul play may be involved.
- Authorities are renewing calls for surveillance footage and public assistance from Aug. 15-17.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Alger County Sheriff’s Office at 906-387-7030.