MISSOULA - Missoula Police say a search and rescue effort is underway for a missing Missoula area woman Nefataree Bartell.
In a press release, MPD says that following a further investigation, the previous report of the 26-year-old being seen on March 6, 2023, was unsubstantiated.
Law enforcement now reports the last confirmed contact with Bartell was in the early afternoon on Feb. 21, 2023, in the area of Gold Creek and Montana Highway 200.
Bartell's mother tells MTN that Bartell, "never goes there.”
MPD says the individual who spoke with her on that day has already been interviewed by detectives.
A search and rescue effort has already been activated in the area according to MPD.
Bartell's mother also shares with MTN News her daughter is seven months pregnant and has two sons.
She says that it is not like her to disappear, "She wouldn’t leave her babies. This is not her behavior.”
Anyone with further information is asked to contact MPD Detective Jeff Lloyd at 406-552-6285.
The Missoula County Sheriff's Office stated on Wednesday afternoon that the discovery of a body along I-90 near Bonner is "not related" to search for Bartell.
- information from Emily Brown included in this report.
