“We Just Want Our Sister Home” Community Rallies Around Watts Family During Prayer Vigil

By Echo Menges

EDINA, Mo. — Hundreds gathered Saturday evening on the Knox County Courthouse lawn in Edina for a community prayer vigil for missing Edina woman Lindsey Watts as the search for the 35-year-old entered its fifth day.

Residents from across Knox County and surrounding communities joined local pastors, law enforcement supporters, family members and friends during the hour-long vigil organized by the Knox County Ministerial Alliance.

Pastor Brian Burton of Edina Assembly of God Church opened the vigil by encouraging the community to remain hopeful while continuing to support both the family and investigators.

“We come together as neighbors, as friends, even acquaintances, co-workers, church congregations, pastors and priests, first responders and family members, all brought together by a common concern and a shared hope,” Burton said.

Burton also urged residents to continue reporting information to investigators.

“I do want to encourage you all tonight,” Burton said. “Law enforcement is handling many calls and they are continuing to ask us to call 660-397-2186 extension 1. I encourage you to call. Your even seemingly insignificant information just might be a missing key.”

Addressing the crowd on behalf of the family, Watts’ sister, Lacey Watts, thanked the community for its support and prayers.

“On behalf of the family, we would like to thank all of you for coming out tonight along with all the messages and prayers over the last few days as we navigate this incredibly difficult time,” Lacey Watts said.

“As all of you know by now, our sister is missing and our hearts are shattered,” she continued. “Every moment without her feels unbearable, and we ask everybody to please help bring her home safely.”

Lacey Watts also pleaded for anyone with information to contact authorities.

“If anyone has seen her, heard from her, or knows anything at all, no matter how small it may seem, please come forward and contact local authorities,” she said.

Holding back tears, she ended her remarks with a direct message to her sister.

“Lindsay, if you are seeing this, please come home,” Lacey Watts said. “We miss and love you so much. We just want our sister home.”

Throughout the evening, clergy members from multiple churches led prayers, scripture readings and worship music centered on hope, faith and the continued search for Watts. Community members later gathered closely around Watts’ family while singing “Way Maker” and praying together.

Burton reminded attendees that the investigation remains active even as few details are being publicly released.

“There are times when it is vital for information to remain confidential for the success of Lindsay coming home,” Burton said. “But it does not mean that nothing is happening.”

Watts was last seen Tuesday night, May 19, at approximately 11 p.m. after returning home from work at The Blessing Center in Edina. Family members discovered Wednesday morning that she was no longer at her North Fifth Street residence and reported her missing later that day.

During the investigation, Knox County Sheriff Carl Knoche determined Watts was missing her vehicle, car keys, wallet and money. Knoche also located Watts’ cellphone in a ditch near her residence.

Watts is described as approximately 5-foot-2, weighing about 125 pounds, with long brown hair and brown eyes. It is unknown what clothing she was wearing at the time of her disappearance.

Anyone with information regarding Watts’ whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Knox County Sheriff’s Office at 660-397-2186, extension 1.