The Search for Alicia Wood Continues at High Plains Landfill

*Image captured by drone shows work area. #1 original landfill cell, #2 pile of garbage that has been sorted through so far, #3 CCSO command vehicle, for scale. Photo credit CCSO*

On Wednesday, December 4^th, Sheriff Jesse Slaughter issued a news release stating that they were searching for the remains of Alicia Wood, aged 46, at the High Plains Landfill.

The Conrad Police Department received a missing person’s report on November 30^th concerning Alicia Wood, a resident of Conrad, who was last seen on November 22^nd.

The investigation directed authorities to the High Plains Landfill, situated several miles northeast of Great Falls, where the search commenced on Thursday, December 5^th.

Lieutenant Jon Kadner of the Cascade County Sheriff’s Office is leading the search efforts as the incident commander, while Sergeant Jake Tri is responsible for overseeing the ground investigation.

The Montana Department of Justice – Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) serves as the lead agency, with agents supervising the search operations. The Cascade County Sheriff’s Office collaborates with the DCI due to its responsibility for coroner duties within Cascade County. Should Alicia Wood be found deceased, the Sheriff’s Office will play a critical role in the investigation.

Multiple law enforcement agencies are actively engaged in the search for Alicia Wood. The Conrad Police Department was notified on December 2^nd, that the Montana Highway Patrol had impounded Wood’s vehicle. Officers discovered blood inside and around the vehicle, which prompted them to seek assistance from the DCI.

Wood’s vehicle, a 2005 black Cadillac, was located on November 27th on Highway 91 between Brady and Conrad and was impounded. Preliminary investigations indicate that Wood is likely deceased, and it is suspected that her remains may be situated in the landfill, which has been designated as a crime scene.

The search operation is both resource-intensive and complex, involving a collaborative effort among multiple agencies. Additionally, a person of interest is reportedly in custody on an unrelated charge. The investigation remains ongoing, and there is no current estimate regarding the duration of the operation at the landfill. The search efforts will continue as expeditiously as safety protocols allow, taking into account health considerations and the volume of waste involved.

Please continue to watch for further updates in The Great Falls Gazette as we gather more information.