BLUFFTON, Ind. — Bluffton police confirmed they found the body of a missing 48-year-old woman from northeastern Indiana.
A statewide Silver Alert had been issued Jan. 4 for Celeste Cuthbert, who was last seen Jan. 1 at 4:45 p.m.
In a Facebook post Wednesday, Feb. 8, police said they found the body of Cuthbert on Tuesday in a yard of a vacant home on the west end of Bluffton. According to police, Cuthbert's body was hidden from view between a shed and a children's wooden playhouse in a yard that is surrounded by a wooden privacy fence.
A property management service for bank-owned properties told police of an apparent dead person at a home in the 400 block of Meadow Lane.
Police said nothing at the scene indicated foul play in Cuthbert's death.
The Wells County coroner conducted an autopsy Wednesday, and the results are pending.
"The Bluffton Police Department extends our condolences to the family and friends of Celeste Cuthbert. We appreciate all the help and support the community provided us during this investigation," police concluded in the Facebook post.
Bluffton is roughly 110 miles northeast of downtown Indianapolis.
Amber Alert vs. Silver Alert: What's the difference?
There are specific standards a person's disappearance must meet in order for police to declare an Amber Alert or a Silver Alert.
Amber Alerts are for children under the age of 18 who are believed to have been abducted and in danger. Police also need to have information about a suspect and their car to issue an Amber Alert.
Silver Alerts are for missing and endangered adults or children. They are much more common for missing people. It was not until last year when the standards for Silver Alerts were expanded to include children.
In both situations, these alerts must be issued by police.
