ST. FRANCIS, Wis. — Emily Rogers, the 23-year-old woman last seen on April 26 on West Becher Street in Milwaukee, was found dead in St. Francis Thursday afternoon, according to the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD).
Multiple suspects are in custody related to the investigation, which remains open and ongoing, police say.
The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office says an autopsy will be performed Friday.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE:
Milwaukee police said in a statement Tuesday that there was reasonable suspicion to believe her disappearance was not voluntary and she could be the victim of foul play.
"Of course we are saddened and heartbroken about our daughter, but on the other hand, we are just as happy that she was located and we'll be able to bring her home," Emily's father, Terry Rogers, said on Thursday. "We'll have some closure that way."
Watch: Neighbor talks about the police search, response:
"I want to take this time to thank Milwaukee PD for everything they have done and everything they continue to do," he continued. "I want to thank all the volunteers and the community that has stepped forward and the countless hours they spent every night."
"She was a loving mother, she was a loving daughter, she always looked for the positive in life," said Terry Rogers.
On Wednesday, TMJ4 learned Rogers recently started working at Saz’s catering. Management says she's been with them for about a month and half.
Rogers' mother Amy said her daughter moved to Milwaukee nearly seven months ago to work things out with her daughter's father. Rogers was a mother to a 15-month-old baby, Katie.
Amy says through social media pinging, police found Katie and her father at his mother's home. He was taken into custody Sunday night. Police records show he was arrested for a parole violation.
A GoFundMe has been created to help the family. Click here to help.
A large park on busy 35th and Burnham was taped off for hours Monday as police combed through the park and nearby neighborhoods looking for Rogers.
Rogers' mother drove 15 hours from Texas to Milwaukee earlier this week.
"It's hard," Amy Rogers said then. "It's still very hard. It was a long drive. It was a long, quiet drive."
Amy says her daughter called her every day before she went missing.
"Emily would never, ever leave Katie, ever," Amy said.
"I'm not leaving this state without my daughter and my granddaughter," Amy said. "You can bank on that. I'm not leaving without them."
Along with the family, locals also canvassed the area and found some success. One person found Rogers' phone.
"We were just walking past, knocking on doors, looking through bushes, and we looked (and) her phone was right there," Dashod Crutchfield said.
Reaction from neighbors
More than 24 hours since Emily’s remains were found, people in the area were still stunned at the discovery.
Cameras at a neighboring business shows the moments yesterday’s crime scene was set up.
“I believe they were out here about two-thirty or so,” said Robert Robb, who lives nearby.
“Having it so close to home is pretty scary because you don’t know what’s going on. But when you see the things that were taking place, you assumed it was for the worst,” Robb said.
The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed Rogers' body was found behind this building in the 1300 block of Waterford street.
TMJ4 News spoke with the tenant of the property, who didn’t want to go on camera. He was interviewed by police Thursday and says it’s rare anyone goes behind the building.
As Rogers' loved ones try to move forward, a community that’s invested time in searching and following Rogers' disappearance now also mourn.
“Blessings go out to the family and sorry to see that happen,” Robb said.
Police ask anyone with any information regarding Rogers to contact Milwaukee Police at (414) 935-7360 or to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (414) 224-Tips or P3 Tips App.
