Search efforts are still underway for a Missoula woman who’s been missing for over a week, and authorities are now asking Missoulians to review property cameras for clues and helpful information.
Eva Masin Prather, 43, was last seen at about 1:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 30 in the Slant Streets area near the 1000 block of Rollins Street, according to the Missoula Police Department, the agency that’s been leading the investigation into Prather’s case. Since then, authorities haven’t found any leads, and are now asking for the public’s help in procuring information that might lead to finding Prather.
Officials requested anyone in the Slant Streets neighborhood (see attached map) with external surveillance cameras to review footage starting from 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 29 to 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 30, a news release from the Missoula Police Department sent on Friday stated.
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This image shows the search area for Eva Masin Prather.
“Any potential sightings or activities during this time frame could be crucial to the investigation,” it stated.
MPD is also asking people to check their properties, especially in areas with stored gear or equipment where someone might seek shelter or hide. If anything suspicious is uncovered, contact 911 or the police department at 406-552-6300.
MPD’s public information officer Whitney Bennett previously said no foul play is suspected.
“In a unified effort, the Missoula Police Department reports that all relevant parties, including the community at large, are actively cooperating with the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Eva Masin Prather,” the update from MPD stated.
Friday’s news release also said MPD worked closely with the Department of Emergency Services to coordinate a search on Saturday, Jan. 6. Another update from MPD on Monday afternoon said Saturday’s search was comprehensive, but yielded no new information or breakthroughs in the case.
Prather is white, about 5 feet and 4 inches tall and weighs approximately 125 pounds, according to authorities. She has brown hair and blue eyes. The clothing she reportedly was last seen in is not appropriate for cold January temperatures, police stated.
Prather’s missing persons poster, which is now on display at houses and businesses around Missoula, says she was experiencing a mental health crisis.
Since she disappeared, Bennett said investigators have received tips about several possible sightings, but none of them were confirmed to be Prather.
Zoë Buchli is the criminal justice reporter for the Missoulian.