5 Shocking Wisconsin Missing Persons Cases And The 62-Year Cold Case Miracle Of 2025

The landscape of missing persons cases in Wisconsin is a complex tapestry of recent disappearances and decades-old mysteries, but a stunning breakthrough in late 2025 has offered a rare moment of hope. As of December 17, 2025, authorities across the state are actively seeking information on several critically missing individuals who vanished this year, while simultaneously celebrating the resolution of a case that spanned over six decades. The contrast between the urgent, unresolved searches and the miraculous cold case closure underscores the relentless efforts of law enforcement and advocates in the Badger State.

Despite having one of the lowest missing persons rates in the United States—approximately 3.29 cases per 100,000 residents—Wisconsin still faces the challenge of numerous open investigations, with an estimated 1,500 open cases reported by NamUs as of 2023. This article dives into the most current and high-profile missing persons cases from 2025 and examines the incredible story of a woman found alive after 62 years.

The December 2025 Cold Case Miracle: Audrey Backeberg Found Alive

In a development that shocked cold case investigators nationwide, a Wisconsin woman who vanished in 1962 was officially located alive and well in December 2025. This incredible resolution proves that even the most enduring mysteries can be solved.

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Audrey Backeberg: A 62-Year Disappearance Solved

Audrey Jean “Good” Backeberg was just 20 years old when she disappeared from Reedsburg, Wisconsin, in July 1962. For over six decades, her case remained open, a painful file in the Sauk County Sheriff's Office.

The breakthrough came in late 2025 when authorities, following a new lead, were able to locate Backeberg. She was found alive and well, living quietly in another state outside of Wisconsin.

Details indicate that Backeberg had hitchhiked from her home with a family babysitter, eventually ending up in Indianapolis, Indiana, before settling elsewhere. The case’s closure highlights the power of persistent investigation and the possibility that some missing persons, even after decades, may have simply chosen to start a new life in secrecy.

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The Latest Unresolved Disappearances of 2025

While the Backeberg case brought a positive conclusion, the state is currently grappling with several critical new cases from the spring of 2025. These active investigations span from the urban streets of Milwaukee to the remote forests of Northern Wisconsin, demanding immediate public attention and assistance. The following are the most urgent and high-profile missing persons in Wisconsin from 2025.

The Urgent Search for Melissa Beson (MMIP Focus)

The disappearance of Melissa Beson from the Lac du Flambeau reservation has become a major focus for tribal police and state agencies, highlighting the ongoing crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP).

• Full Name: Melissa Beson
• Missing Since: March 17, 2025
• Age Now: 38 years old
• Missing From: Lac du Flambeau, Vilas County, WI
• Race: Indian (Lac du Flambeau tribal member)
• Current Status: New information in July 2025 redirected searches on the reservation and introduced a new theory to investigators.

The Lac du Flambeau Tribal Police Department and Vilas County authorities are urging anyone with information about Beson’s last known movements near County Highway D or on the reservation to come forward. Her case is a stark reminder of the disproportionate number of Indigenous women who go missing.

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Konta Smith: A Critical Missing Person in Milwaukee

In the state's largest city, the disappearance of Konta Smith has been classified as a critical missing person case by the Milwaukee Police Department.

• Full Name: Konta Smith
• Missing Since: April 19 or 24, 2025
• Age: 50 years old
• Missing From: Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, WI
• Description: Black male, 5'7", 185 lbs. Last seen wearing all black clothing (jacket, shirt, pants, hat, and shoes).

The search for Smith centers on the Milwaukee area, where he was last seen. The lack of immediate leads and the critical classification of his case have amplified the urgency of the search. Authorities are appealing to the public for any sightings or information regarding his whereabouts or his last known activities.

Jesse Yanske: Vanished from Northern Wisconsin

The northern, more rural areas of Wisconsin present unique challenges for search and rescue operations, as highlighted by the disappearance of Jesse Yanske.

• Full Name: Jesse F. Yanske
• Missing Since: April 17, 2025
• Age Now: 32 years old
• Missing From: Ogema (Price County) / Westboro (Taylor County), WI
• Description: White male, 6’3”, 160 pounds, brown hair, blue eyes.

Yanske's case is being handled by authorities in Price and Taylor counties, with the initial search focusing on the Ogema and Westboro areas. Disappearances in these heavily wooded and isolated regions often require extensive ground searches, making community involvement and volunteer efforts crucial.

The Lingering Mystery: High-Profile Unsolved Cases

While the focus is often on new cases, several long-term, high-profile disappearances continue to haunt the state. These cases underscore the complex nature of missing persons investigations, especially those involving vast wilderness areas.

Nicholas Hietpas: Lost in the National Forest

The disappearance of Nicholas Hietpas from the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest remains one of Wisconsin's most perplexing unsolved mysteries.

• Full Name: Nicholas Jeffrey Hietpas
• Missing Since: April 1, 2019
• Missing From: Doty, within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, WI
• Circumstances: Hietpas's black 2012 Ford Fusion was found abandoned in the forest on April 18, 2019. A tarp and other gear were found nearby, but Hietpas and his dog vanished without a trace.

The sheer size of the 1.5-million-acre Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest has made the search for Hietpas incredibly difficult. Despite extensive searches by both law enforcement and volunteers, there have been no significant updates in recent years, though his case is regularly highlighted by advocacy groups.

Wisconsin's Missing Persons Landscape and How to Help

The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Wisconsin Clearinghouse for Missing & Exploited Children & Adults serve as the primary hubs for information on missing persons. They work closely with local police departments, the FBI, and advocacy groups to coordinate search efforts and public outreach.

The state's relatively low missing persons rate is a testament to the dedication of these agencies, but the ongoing open cases—particularly the recent disappearances of Beson, Smith, and Yanske—show the persistent need for public assistance and vigilance.

Key Entities and Resources for Topical Authority

Understanding the ecosystem of missing persons requires knowing the key players and resources. These entities provide crucial support, data, and coordination for families and investigators:

• Wisconsin Clearinghouse for Missing & Exploited Children & Adults (WI DOJ): The central state agency for all missing persons data.
• National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs): Provides a national database for both missing and unidentified persons, crucial for cross-state searches.
• Wisconsin Missing Persons Advocacy (wimissing.org): A key non-profit organization that raises awareness for specific cases like Jesse Yanske.
• Local Law Enforcement: Including the Milwaukee Police Department, Sauk County Sheriff's Office, and Vilas County authorities, who manage the on-the-ground investigations.
• Tribal Police Departments: Essential for cases like Melissa Beson, ensuring culturally sensitive and targeted searches on reservation lands.

How the Public Can Assist in Active Searches

For active cases like Konta Smith and Jesse Yanske, public assistance can be the key to a resolution. Authorities stress the importance of the following actions:

1. Report Sightings Immediately: If you believe you have seen a missing person, contact the local police department or the Wisconsin Clearinghouse immediately. Do not assume someone else has reported it.
2. Check Surveillance Footage: For cases in urban areas like Milwaukee, review any home or business surveillance footage from the last known date of contact.
3. Respect Search Areas: For wilderness cases like Nicholas Hietpas, allow trained search and rescue teams to operate, but coordinate with local agencies if organizing a volunteer search.
4. Share Information Responsibly: Use social media to share official missing person posters and updates, avoiding the spread of unverified rumors or speculation.

The year 2025 has brought both the immense relief of a 62-year-old mystery solved and the sobering reality of new families facing the agonizing wait for answers. By remaining vigilant and supporting the organizations dedicated to this cause, the public can play a vital role in bringing more of Wisconsin's missing home.