Massive Search For Missing Illinois Mother Of 4

MACOUPIN COUNTY, IL — A massive search for a missing Southern Illinois woman is under way is under way and could impact travel in the town of Royal Lakes, according to authorities. The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis said investigators are searching by land and air for 37-year-old Denita M. Hedden, a mother of four who was last seen on Jan. 25, which also happens to be her birthday.

An acquaintance reported Hedden missing the morning of Jan. 28, according to authorities. The Macoupin County Sheriff's Office requested assistance from the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis on Feb. 2.

Hedden was last seen wearing a maroon hoodie sweatshirt with orange sleeves and blue jeans. She has brown hair and brown eyes, and is 5 feet tall and weighs around 100 pounds, officials said.

Hedden has four children, ages 10, 12, 15 and 17, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "Everybody just wants her home," her brother, Raymond Dyer, told the paper. Dyer described his sister as "high-spirited" and "outspoken," adding, "but she would never have just disappeared like this."

According to local media, approximately 30 different police agencies, including K-9s and cadaver dogs, were part of Tuesday's massive search for Hedden, which was slated to continue until dusk.

Police are asking anyone with information on Hedden to call the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis, currently based at the Bunker Hill police department, at 618-585-3510; the Macoupin County Sheriff's Office at 217-854-3135 ext. 1; or the Macoupin and Montgomery County CrimeStoppers at 1-800-352-0136.

Photos of Denita Hedden via the The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis