Emporia Woman’s Disappearance Sparks Ongoing Search Efforts

Rebecca Rauber, a 28-year-old teacher from Emporia, was reported missing late Friday night. Her disappearance sparked a significant search effort, which continued for nearly two days.

Details of the Disappearance

Rauber went missing around 11:30 PM on Friday after leaving Town Royal, located at 400 Commercial Street. She reportedly left the venue after a minor disagreement, without her personal belongings such as her phone and purse.

Last Known Location

Surveillance footage captured Rauber walking westbound on West 5th Avenue shortly after she left the tavern. Eyewitness accounts indicated she did not use a vehicle to leave.

Search Operations

Emporia Police Department (EPD) initiated an extensive search, assisted by local agencies. K9 units, including a bloodhound, were deployed to help track her scent.

• K9 Daisy and Search and Rescue Kansas contributed to the search efforts.
• The Kansas Highway Patrol and Lyon County Sheriff’s Office provided additional support.
• Community members organized search parties and patrols to help locate Rauber.

Community Involvement

EPD expressed gratitude to the public for their support but requested that residents avoid the search area to not disrupt scent trails. Local residents were encouraged to review their security footage from late Friday evening and early Saturday morning.

Discovery of Remains

Tragically, on Sunday evening, police announced that she had been found deceased. Rauber’s body was located in a wooded area approximately 300 yards from her last known location.

Possible Cause of Death

Initial investigations suggest that Rauber may have succumbed to hypothermia after her disappearance. The conditions at that time were not reported as severe, but temperatures in the area can drop significantly at night.

Request for Information

Emporia Police are asking anyone with information regarding Rebecca Rauber’s whereabouts or events leading to her disappearance to contact them. Tips can be shared through the following methods:

• Call Emporia Police at 620-341-3350
• Contact Lyon County Crime Stoppers at 620-342-2273
• Submit anonymous tips through the P3 Tips app

Community involvement has been a crucial aspect of the search for Rebecca Rauber, reflecting a strong local commitment to supporting missing persons cases.