ST. JACOB - Melissa Oelke, a 21-year-old St. Peters, Mo., woman who was reported missing after leaving her home Thursday morning, March 26, 2026. Law enforcement reported on Saturday, March 28, 2026, that she was found deceased in Madison County, Illinois.
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office said in an update posted March 28, 2026, that Oelke “has been located deceased.” The sheriff’s office said the case remains an active investigation, but investigators “do not believe there is a threat to the public.”
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The St. Peters Police Department also reported Saturday that Oelke was “located deceased in Madison County” and said the investigation remains active and authorities do not believe there is a threat to the public.
Police said Oelke left her residence in St. Peters at about 7:30 a.m. Thursday, March 26, 2026. Her vehicle was later found abandoned off Keck Road in St. Jacob, Illinois, according to information released by police. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that her vehicle was located north of Saint Jacob.
The St. Peters Police Department said Oelke had “several medical conditions that require attention,” and that there was concern for her well-being as the search continued.
Anyone with information about the situation has been asked to contact the St. Peters Police Department at 636-278-2222. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office asked those who had seen Oelke or had contact with her to call (618) 692-4433.
