Man Facing Charges In Vadnais Heights Woman's Disappearance

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Authorities are asking for the public's help to find the body of a Vadnais Heights woman who has been missing since Aug. 29.

Multiple agencies say that's when 45-year-old Michelle Newell was last seen and heard from. Timothy Barr of St. Paul has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder without intent in connection with Newell's disappearance.

Authorities say Barr had contact with law enforcement in Cass County, North Dakota, on Aug. 31 before a missing person report was filed. Law enforcement officials say Barr told associates he left Newell's body in South Dakota in an abandoned barn or farm building, covered with hay. He was last seen in North Dakota Aug. 30-31. It is believed he headed through eastern North Dakota and South Dakota before coming back to the Twin Cities.

Authorities say anyone living in the Jamestown, North Dakota and Aberdeen, South Dakota areas to check their out buildings and barns for anything suspicious. Anyone in the Twin Cities who may know people in the area or who may hunt in that area is asked to contact the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office at (651) 266-7320 with any information.