An Amber Alert has been issued for 5-year-old Elena Erdle, who went missing from her home in Watkins, Minnesota, early this morning. The alarm was raised after her parents discovered she was missing around 8 a.m., prompting immediate action from law enforcement.
Elena was last seen at 2 a.m. when her mother tucked her into bed. The family’s home was disrupted when her father, Matt, and his friend Zachary Anderson returned from a night out. By morning, both Elena and Zachary were gone, raising alarms of a potential kidnapping.
As the search intensified, law enforcement quickly mobilized, scouring the small community of Watkins, known for its tight-knit residents. Investigators confirmed Zachary has no prior sex offender history, leaving authorities puzzled about his motives.
Witnesses reported seeing Zachary at a convenience store around 8:30 a.m., yet Elena remained unaccounted for. The urgency grew as police traced Matt’s phone, believing it could lead them to critical information.
At 1:12 p.m., the Amber Alert was issued, signaling the community’s desperate need for help. As the hours passed, a chilling development emerged: Zachary’s father contacted authorities, expressing concern about his son’s involvement.
Law enforcement raced to a family cabin in Mley, approximately 90 miles away, where they discovered Matt’s stolen truck hidden in a ravine. Inside the cabin, deputies found alarming evidence, including a firearm and a note suggesting Zachary had intentions to harm himself.
As search teams combed the surrounding woods, a K9 unit led officers to a swampy area a quarter-mile from the cabin. There, at 4:24 p.m., Zachary was apprehended, but his initial response to questions about Elena was chilling: “What girl?”
In a harrowing turn, Zachary eventually directed investigators to Elena’s body, submerged in the water and hidden beneath debris. The community’s worst fears were confirmed as the Amber Alert was rescinded, transforming the case into a homicide investigation.
Elena’s tragic death has left the small town of Watkins reeling from shock and grief. Candlelight vigils have been held, with residents uniting to support her family and honor the vibrant little girl known for her infectious smile and adventurous spirit.
Zachary Anderson faces multiple charges, including second-degree murder and criminal sexual conduct against a child. His bail has been set at $1 million with conditions, as the community grapples with the horror of this unimaginable crime.
Elena’s family, devastated by the loss, has vowed to keep her memory alive through charity work, helping other families in need. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the profound impact one child can have on a community.
As investigations continue, residents of Watkins are left to mourn a precious life taken far too soon, united in their sorrow and determination to support one another in the aftermath of this heart-wrenching event.
