PLATTEVILLE, WI — The community of Platteville, Wisconsin, is in shock after the sudden and tragic death of Emma Jacob, a 22-year-old student and resident of the area. Emma, who was last seen on July 22, 2025, near Platte Mound (also known as the “Big M”), has been confirmed as the latest victim in a series of disturbing disappearances and deaths involving young women in the region. Emma’s tragic passing has ignited fears that these cases may be connected, as police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death and the potential links to two other missing women.

Emma Jacob’s Disappearance: A Tragic Turn of Events

On the morning of Tuesday, July 22, Emma was reported missing after her car, phone, keys, and purse were found abandoned near the popular hiking area, Platte Mound. This location is known for being frequented by University of Wisconsin–Platteville students. Emma’s belongings were discovered scattered in the area, but she was nowhere to be found.

As the news spread, Emma’s sister, Sydney Wiltsie, posted an emotional plea on social media asking the community to help search for her sister. Sydney urged residents to come together and support the search for Emma, who had disappeared without a trace. Tragically, just hours later, Sydney shared the heartbreaking news that Emma had been found dead. She wrote an update saying, “Emma has been found. At this time, we ask you please respect our family’s privacy as we grieve the loss of our daughter, sister, and auntie.”

The Platteville Police Department quickly confirmed that Emma’s death is being treated as a homicide. The police have yet to release detailed information regarding the circumstances of her death, including whether there was any foul play involved or if surveillance footage from nearby areas might assist in solving the case.

The Mysterious Similarities: Other Missing Women in Wisconsin

Emma’s case is part of a disturbing pattern that is raising questions in Wisconsin. Authorities have not confirmed any connection between Emma’s death and the disappearances of Eliotte Heinz from La Crosse, and Kelly Nolan from Madison, but the similarities in these cases are hard to ignore. All three women were 22 years old, of similar builds, and were last seen alone in public spaces. These shared characteristics and circumstances have led some to wonder whether the cases might be connected.

Eliotte Heinz: A Disappearance Just Days Before

Just days earlier, another 22-year-old woman, Eliotte Heinz, went missing in La Crosse. Eliotte, a student at Viterbo University and a graduate of Hortonville High School, was last seen on July 20, 2025, around 3:22 a.m., walking alone in the 500 block of Front Street South. Like Emma, Eliotte was around 5’4” and weighed approximately 120 lbs. She was last seen wearing a white T-shirt and jean shorts.

Despite extensive search efforts by law enforcement, family, and volunteers, there have been no signs of Eliotte since she vanished. Her parents, Shane and Amber Heinz, have urged the public to check surveillance footage from the early morning hours of July 20, hoping that even the smallest detail could provide crucial information. The La Crosse Police Department is working tirelessly to investigate her disappearance, but as of now, her whereabouts remain unknown.

A Chilling Echo from 2007: The Case of Kelly Nolan

The string of missing women in Wisconsin has also drawn comparisons to the unsolved case of Kelly Nolan, a 22-year-old woman who disappeared on June 23, 2007, after a night out in Madison. Kelly was last seen walking alone in downtown Madison, wearing an emerald green shirt and jeans. Her body was found over two weeks later on July 9, 2007, in a wooded area in the Town of Dunn. Despite extensive investigations and public appeals for information, no arrests have ever been made, and the case remains unsolved.

Growing Concerns: Is There a Link Between the Cases?

While the police have not officially connected the cases of Emma Jacob, Eliotte Heinz, and Kelly Nolan, the similarities are unsettling. The women all share age and physical characteristics: each one is around 22 years old, with similar body types. They were last seen alone, in public spaces, and their disappearances have occurred in well-traveled areas—near popular nightlife or recreational locations. Additionally, all of the women were reported missing during or after nighttime hours, which adds to the eerie similarities.

Former law enforcement officials and crime analysts have weighed in, urging caution about drawing conclusions prematurely, but acknowledging the potential link between these cases. Investigators are focusing on the possibility of foul play, and the public is being asked to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

A Community in Mourning and Calling for Answers

The tragic and mysterious deaths and disappearances have sent shockwaves through Wisconsin, with communities in La Crosse, Madison, and Platteville all grappling with the unsettling nature of these events. Many people are expressing their sorrow and concerns on social media, sharing their memories of the missing women and calling for more attention to be paid to their cases.

The families of the missing women are also speaking out, demanding justice and answers. Emma’s sister, Sydney Wiltsie, who remains devastated by her sibling’s loss, has asked for privacy during this difficult time but also thanked the community for their outpouring of love and support. She expressed her grief, writing on social media, “I just don’t understand how this could happen. Emma was a light in our lives, and now she’s gone too soon.”

Search and Investigation: A Growing Effort to Find the Truth

The Platteville Police Department, La Crosse Police, and Madison Area Crime Stoppers are working in tandem to investigate the circumstances surrounding the disappearances of these young women. They are actively gathering witness statements, surveillance footage, and forensic evidence to try to piece together what happened in each case.

Tips and information from the public are being urged, with all three cities offering Crime Stoppers hotlines for anonymous submissions. The authorities have emphasized the importance of community involvement and vigilance, particularly in the hopes of solving these cases and ensuring the safety of others in the community.

The Public’s Role: Staying Vigilant and Informed

As the investigation continues, residents are urged to remain vigilant and stay informed about developments in the cases. Public awareness and sharing information have proven to be essential in solving previous missing person cases, and law enforcement agencies are hopeful that the community will continue to play an active role in helping to find Eliotte Heinz and solve Emma Jacob’s death.

The community has already shown its strength by coming together to support the families of the victims. Candlelight vigils, social media campaigns, and community meetings are being held to honor the missing women and offer support to their families.

Conclusion: A Search for Answers and Justice

The disappearance and tragic death of Emma Jacob is a devastating reminder of the risks that young women face, especially in communities that should feel safe. As the investigations continue, the public’s support and cooperation will remain crucial in uncovering the truth behind these unsettling events.

For now, the families of Emma Jacob, Eliotte Heinz, and Kelly Nolan must wait for answers, holding on to hope that justice will eventually prevail. In the meantime, the Wisconsin community remains united in its grief, determined to seek closure and find peace amidst the uncertainty.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Platteville Police Department, La Crosse Police, or Madison Area Crime Stoppers.

Emma Jacob case (Platteville Police): Local police non-emergency line
Eliotte Heinz case (La Crosse Police): 608-782-7575 or Crime Stoppers: 608-784-TIPS
Kelly Nolan case (Madison Area Crime Stoppers): 608-266-6014 or submit online at p3tips.com

The community remains hopeful that, with continued collaboration, these cases will be solved, and the truth will come to light.