Updates on search for missing student

Parents offer reward

The parents of Jon Lacina offer a reward of up to $10,000 for any new information that leads to the location of their son.

News release.

Lacinas offer thanks and encouragement

Feb. 8, 11:15 a.m.

Jon Lacina's parents and brother thank supporters, share thoughts and offer words of comfort to the community as the search continues for the missing student.

Letter from the family.

Show support for the Lacina family

Feb. 5, 1:40 p.m.

As the investigation and search efforts to find missing ISU student Jon Lacina continue, members of the university community have asked how they can reach out to his family during this uncertain time. Messages of support for Lacina's parents, Tom and Alesia, and their elder son, Joe, may be sent to the following address:
Jon Lacina Family
c/o CO&L
P.O. Box 655
Grinnell, IA 50112

Please note that any leads or information about Jon Lacina's whereabouts should continue to go to ISU Police at (515) 294-4428

Nightly vigils planned

Feb. 5, 1:40 p.m.

Some Iowa State students have begun meeting at the Campanile nightly at 9:15 to light candles and pray for Jon Lacina. They invite other community members to join them.

Ames Tribune story.

How to help

Feb. 2, 1:50 p.m.

Officials say students can help in the search to find Jonathan Lacina by distributing flyers and spreading awareness through online communities. They also offer reminders to students on staying safe and tips on coping in difficult situations.

News release.

Statement from ISU President Geoffroy

Feb. 1, 10:20 a.m.

Iowa State President Gregory Geoffroy issues a statement asking the campus community to be attentive to activities involving the search for missing student Jonathan Lacina and to report anything ususual or suspicious to police. Geoffroy also thanked numerous agencies for their help in the search and called upon the community "to keep Jonathan and his family utmost in your thoughts and prayers."

See statement.

Search for missing student moves inside

Jan. 31, 4:30 p.m.

After dusk (Jan. 31), the search for missing student Jon Lacina will move inside. ISU Police Chief Jerry Stewart said university staff intend to search every vacant residence hall room and all rooms in Buchanan Hall, Lacina's residence, tonight. Tomorrow morning (Feb. 1), custodians and area mechanics in ISU's Facilities Planning & Management Department will be urged to thoroughly check campus buildings, especially remote areas: steam tunnels, mechanical rooms and storage closets.

Police also encourage members of the Ames community to check in and around their property. If anything suspicious or unusual is found -- such as a cell phone, wallet or clothing -- don't touch it. Call ISU Police at (515) 294-4428 or the Ames Police Department at (515) 239-5133.

Officials conduct ground, air, water searches

Jan. 31, 10:35 a.m.

The search continues for missing student Jon Lacina, with law enforcement agencies and search and rescue teams conducting ground searches. Searches also are under way in ISU mechanical rooms, elevator shafts, garages, sheds and other remote locations and ISU residence halls and apartments and Greek houses. ISU Police also have requested an air search and dive teams will search waterways.

See story.

Police issue alert for missing student

Jan. 30

Iowa State University Police have issued a missing persons alert and seek the public's assistance in locating a student who has not been seen since Friday night, Jan. 22. Jonathan Lacina, 21, was last seen leaving 300 Stanton Ave. at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Jan. 22.