Beltrami County: New Lead in Kevin Ayotte Cold Case

BELTRAMI COUNTY, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — A new tip has reopened investigative efforts into the 1982 disappearance of 3-year-old Kevin Jay Ayotte.

Investigators are searching a property in Sugar Bush Township, about 14 miles northeast of Bemidji.

Kevin vanished on September 30, 1982, while playing upstairs at his family’s summer home. His disappearance remains unsolved after more than 44 years.

The Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office is working with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) on the latest search.

New Tip Leads Investigators to Nearby Property

According to an October 23 report from Lakeland News, investigators received new information from family members.

The sheriff’s office needed time to review the information and arrange a search of the property.

The location is not the same property where Kevin disappeared in 1982.

However, authorities say someone previously considered a person of interest once lived at the location.

Investigators are examining several areas around a building on the property. A drone was also observed flying above the home and garage.

Authorities have not announced any discoveries connected to the latest search.

Kevin Ayotte Vanished in September 1982

Kevin was playing upstairs with his brother when his mother briefly stepped outside the family’s summer home.

When she returned, Kevin was missing.

According to the Minnesota BCA missing person bulletin, Kevin had blond hair and blue eyes.

He also had a scar on the right side of his chin.

Kevin had hearing difficulties and limited speech, which could have made searching for him more difficult.

Search Continues More Than Four Decades Later

Investigators have followed numerous possibilities since Kevin disappeared.

The latest search brings renewed attention to a case that has remained open for decades.

Authorities have not said whether the new tip will lead to additional evidence.

The sheriff indicated that work at the property could continue beyond the initial search period.

As of the October 23 report, investigators had not announced a breakthrough.

How to Share Information About Kevin Ayotte

Anyone with information about Kevin’s disappearance is encouraged to contact the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office.

The sheriff’s office can be reached through dispatch at 218-333-9111.

Kevin’s case is also listed with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.

Tips can be submitted through that organization or by calling 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).

The investigation remains open. Authorities continue seeking information that could explain what happened to Kevin Jay Ayotte.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.