K-9 Unit Searches for Missing Albion Woman

Calhoun County police are searching for Heather Cousino who left her home two days ago, and has not been seen or heard from since. Cousino's family fears she is in danger and says she has severe medical conditions.
Dec 11, 2010
Reporter: Rachel Thomas
Over the roads and through the woods of Albion, K-9 units are following the scent of Heather Cousino. The 33-year-old has been missing for two days.
"This is not in her character to not phone within the same day," said Cousino's cousin Gina Clark.
Officers of the Calhuon County Sheriff's Dept. say a woman of 33 is usually self-sufficent. But the Cousino family says her medical conditions put her at risk.
"She is bipolar and suicidal," said Clark.
After an argument with her mother, the family says Cousino swallowed a bottle of Adderall before she left her home on foot Thursday afternoon.
She had scrubs on, a sweater, and snow boots. She left without her cigarettes, no I.D., and no money," said Cousino's mother Diane Cousino.
Police told the volunteers to hold off their search, so the police dogs could pick up a clear scent. The K-9 unit tracked a scent that led them to a private property a half mile from Cousino's house. Police say the snowfall and the 48 hour period from her disappearance make tacing her more difficult. After Saturday's search with no results, the Cousino family prepares for the worst.
"I think she is possibly dead. I still want to find body," said Diane Cousino.
The family says they're pacing their house waiting for police, and hoping Cousino will call home.
"I want you to know that I love you. Let me know that you're alright," said Diane Cousino.
Police plan to start a ground search tomorrow and will welcome help . They are hopeful better weather will permit coast guard helicopters to join the search.
Police are asking hunters in Albion to be on the look out.
Anyone with information is asked to please contact the Calhoun County Sheriff's Department at (269) 969-6450.

http://www.wilx.com/news/headlines/MIssing_Woman_in__111737269.html?ref=269

Search for missing woman unsuccessful~
ALBION, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - A Calhoun County mother holds out hope as the search for her missing daughter approaches the three week mark.

“You know in a few days we start a new year, and possibly without her. I don't want to think about that,” said Diane Cousino. "I'm petrified I'll never see my daughter again."

Tomorrow will be three weeks since 33-year-old Heather Cousino walked away from her Albion home.

Her family says she's manic depressive and can't function without her medication.

Yesterday more than three dozen volunteers searched fields near her house, but this search, like many others, turned up nothing.

Even with a $1,000 reward on the table investigators haven't come up with any solid leads.

"We scratch our heads everyday thinking what's the next step," said Jamie Jones of the Missing You Foundation. "It's not over until we find something."

Volunteers hoped to also search the Kalamazoo River yesterday but weather kept them from going in.

They plan to hit the water as soon as some of the ice has melted.



http://www.wwmt.com/articles/search-1385488-missing-newschannel.html

Father offers reward to help find missing daughter

ALBION, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - A Calhoun County father is hoping cash will help bring home his missing daughter.

Heather Cousino's dad is putting a $1,000 reward on the table. He's hoping it will generate tips to help police find her.

Heather wandered away from her home in Albion last Thursday wearing only hospital scrubs and a sweater.

Her family is worried because she's manic depressive and needs her medication.

If you know where she is call police or Silent Observer.

http://www.wwmt.com/articles/help-1385020-police-daughter.html

Vigil for missing Calhoun County woman

January 16, 2011
MARSHALL, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - Family and friends held a vigil for Heather Cousino, five weeks after the Albion woman disappeared.

Cousino went missing in early December after leaving her home in Albion.

Cousino is manic depressive and left without her medication.

Since her disappearance, search teams and police have been trying to track her bown but keep coming up empty handed.

Saturday evening, nearly three dozen people braved the cold at the Marshall fountain to show their support for the Cousino family.

Cousino's mother, Diane Cousino, says no matter what the outcome she will not give up.

"We are not giving up hope. We are not forgetting. And we are still searching getting the word out there until we get her home," Diane Cousino.

The Cousino family is offering a one-thousand dollar reward for the safe return of their daughter.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Calhoun County Sheriff's Department at 269-781-0963.

http://www.wwmt.com/articles/missing-1386128-county-newschannel.html

Help find Heather Nicole Cousino
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Help-find-Heather-Nicole-Cousino/130017013731579?sk=wall#!/pages/Help-find-Heather-Nicole-Cousino/130017013731579

Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office Investigates Homicide

KALAMAZOO (WKZO) -- The Kalamazoo County Sherriff's Office says they now have a homicide case on their hands. Skeletal remains discovered in the 8400-block of East ML Avenue in Comstock Township in April have been identified as those of a white female between 35 and 55 years of age, between 5'4" and 5'8" in height. They now say that after turning the remains over to the Michigan State University Forensic Anthropology Lab they have determined that the cause of death was blunt force trauma.

They've already ruled out three other missing persons cases, those of Venus Stewart of Colon, Mary Lands of Marshall, and Tammie Briley of Mattawan, and they are still working to determine an identity. No other details are being released at this time. They ask that anyone that may have information on the case contact the sheriff's department either directly or through Silent Observer.

http://wkzo.com/news/articles/2011/jun/10/kalamazoo-county-sheriffs-office-investigates-homicide/