Truck Found in Search for Missing Iowa Couple

Truck Recovered: This story of the missing couple from the Norwalk area continues to get more mysterious. First off, state investigators are trying to clarify a news release from last night involving the case of a burned out house, recovered body and missing couple. They aren't searching for the truck of the missing couple, Bill and Kay Wood, whose home burned down late Saturday night. The search for the truck got reported last night. But the Department of Public Safety has sent out a release to say investigators actually found the couple's truck in Kansas City over the weekend. So they're not looking for it. They are now (along with still looking for the couple) looking for witnesses who saw the truck last weekend. They've also still not publicly identified the body found inside the burned-out home. And they can't rule out that the victim may be one of the homeowners. However, that still wouldn't explain where the other person is or how the truck made it to Kansas City. Bizarre. And obviously, sad, no matter the situation, for the family and friends involved.

Here's the new release from the DPS:

Warren County Fire Update

Warren County, Iowa --- Late last night, August 1, 2011 the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) distributed a press release regarding the investigation into a rural Warren County house fire. The release stated: “They are seeking information on a vehicle belonging to the Woods, a 2009 red Chevrolet Silverado pickup, with Iowa license plate number 426 SOC. Law Enforcement is attempting to locate anyone that may have seen this vehicle…”

The Iowa DCI has the Wood’s pickup in its possession. It was recovered on Sunday, July 31, 2011 at 8381 North Donnelly Ave., Kansas City, Missouri.

Law enforcement continues to seek information related to the whereabouts of James “Bill” and Kaidena “Kay” Wood. Law enforcement also would like information from citizens who think they may have seen the Wood’s truck between noon on Saturday, July 30, 2011 and noon on Sunday, July 31, 2011. Investigators have narrowed their timeline, after discovering the Wood couple was last seen at a local auction on Saturday morning.

Autopsy results for the deceased person found in the fire are still pending.

The investigation into the house fire and missing couple continues. The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation is working cooperatively with the Division of the State Fire Marshal, Warren County Sheriff’s Office, North Warren Fire Department and law enforcement in Missouri.

This is the release from yesterday:

Law Enforcement Asks Iowans for Help in Finding Home Owners & Vehicle in Warren County Fire Investigation

Warren County, IOWA --- Law enforcement officials in central Iowa are requesting the assistance of Iowans in locating the owners of a home that was destroyed by fire late Saturday night, and the whereabouts of a vehicle belonging to the residents.

The home of James “Bill” Wood and Kaidena “Kay” Wood was found engulfed in flames at 11:35 PM on Saturday, July 30, 2011. The residents could not be located. Police and fire officials were called immediately and got the fire under control during the night. The Division of Criminal Investigation and the State Fire Marshal’s office were called to assist the Warren County Sheriff’s Office with the investigation.

Investigators found one body in the home, but the identity has not yet been confirmed. They are seeking the public’s help in locating Kaidena “Kay” Lozelle Wood, age 72, and James “Bill” Wood, age 79. They also are seeking information on a vehicle belonging to the Woods, a 2009 red Chevrolet Silverado pickup, with Iowa license plate number 426 SOC. Law Enforcement is attempting to locate anyone that may have seen this vehicle from Friday, July 29, 2011 through Sunday, July 31, 2011.

Anyone with information about Kaidena “Kay” Wood or James “Bill” Wood or the vehicle should call the Warren County Dispatch Center at 515-961-1122, or Iowa State Patrol Communications at 515-323-4360.

Kaidena "Kay" Wood, 72 yrs.

James "Bill" Wood, 79 yrs.