Divers search for remains of woman presumed to be murdered

Margaret Maureen Heuser

WALKERVILLE — A law enforcement dive team has been searching in Walkerville area lakes Thursday, Nov. 13, for what police believe are the remains of a Newaygo County woman who disappeared the night of July 19, 2005.

Margaret Maureen Heuser was reported missing to the Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office in August 2005, according to a NCSO press release. She was 44 years old at the time of her disappearance.

“Margaret is yet to be found and is presumed to be the victim of homicide,” the press release states.

Detectives from the NCSO, the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office and the Hart post of the Michigan State Police are investigating the case trying to locate Heuser’s body and whomever is responsible for her alleged murder.

Tips from the public ignited the dive operation in bodies of water near the Village of Walkerville, the press release states.

“Divers from the Michigan State Police, Oceana County Sheriff’s Office and Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office are diving several lakes, as well as using side-scan sonar equipment in an attempt to locate Margaret’s remains. Investigators are planning more dives in the future in other lakes,” the release states.

Authorities previously said Heuser had taken a ride home from a bar in Crystal Valley the night of July 19, 2005, and has not been seen since.

Margaret Heuser was known as “Mikee” to friends and family.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call Silent Observer at 231-652-1121; NCSO at 231-689-7303; or MSP at 231-873-2171.