DAYTON, Iowa (AP) — A convicted sex offender suspected of abducting two girls from an Iowa bus stop has been found dead, and a massive search for one of the girls continues, authorities said Tuesday.
The body of 42-year-old Michael Klunder was found Monday night at a rural property northeast of Dayton, according to the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. His cause of death remains under investigation.
IOWA DPS: Search for Missing Teen Continues, Law Enforcement Solicit Information on Suspect
Klunder was accused of abducting a 15-year-old girl and 12-year-old girl on Monday. The 12-year-old was able to escape and ran to a nearby rural residence for help, DCI Director Chari Paulson said during a news conference.
The girl told investigators that she and the 15-year-old had accepted a ride from a stranger who took them to an agricultural facility.
But the 15-year-old, Kathlynn Shepard, is still missing. Dozens of federal, state and local law enforcement agents are searching for the teenager, and authorities said they are releasing her name and photo in an effort to find her alive.
Authorities are searching by air, water and land, and have deployed canine units. Volunteers also are conducting a foot patrol of the search, which includes about a 75- to 100-square-mile area of mostly rural land, according to Jessica Lown with the Iowa Department of Public Safety.
Authorities have released little information about Klunder, but noted he resided and worked in the area.