Sugarbush Township, Minnesota (trfnews.i234.me) – New court documents reveal details about a renewed investigation into the 1982 disappearance of Kevin Ayotte.
Kevin was just three years old when he vanished from his family’s property in Beltrami County.
Investigators now believe possible human remains could be buried beneath or near a detached garage in Sugarbush Township.
However, authorities have not confirmed that any human remains were discovered.
The Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office announced November 3 that its search of the property had concluded.
New Tip Leads Investigators to Garage
According to court documents, investigators received new information about Kevin’s disappearance on July 2, 2025.
A person identified as R1 contacted authorities with information reportedly obtained from relatives.
The person claimed Kevin had been buried beneath a detached garage on a nearby property.
The information included allegations about someone who may have been involved in the disappearance.
Investigators interviewed that person in October 2025.
According to the affidavit, the person denied responsibility for Kevin’s disappearance.
No criminal charges have been reported in connection with the renewed search.
Search Dogs Alert Near Garage
Investigators received a search warrant on October 19, 2026.
The warrant authorized the use of ground-penetrating radar and human remains detection dogs.
Authorities searched the Sugarbush Township property on October 22.
According to the affidavit, radar equipment detected an unusual underground feature near the garage’s southeast corner.
A specially trained dog also showed interest in that area.
Investigators drilled into concrete inside the garage and probed soil outside.
The dog subsequently gave four trained responses associated with detecting possible human remains.
Two responses occurred inside the garage. Two others occurred outside the structure.
These findings raised investigators’ concerns but do not establish that human remains are present.
Second Warrant Allows Further Excavation
A second warrant was issued October 22, allowing investigators to search beneath and around the garage.
The warrant authorized equipment needed to remove concrete and soil.
Investigators sought possible human remains and materials that could have been used to wrap a body.
The garage is approximately three miles west of the location where Kevin disappeared.
Evidence Collected During Search
Court documents list several items collected during the investigation.
Those items include blue adult underwear, a plastic part, garage debris, and photographs.
The documents indicate some evidence was recovered beneath dirt inside the garage.
A laboratory request was submitted to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
The request listed November 22, 2026, as an estimated completion date.
That date does not confirm when testing results will become available.
Kevin Ayotte Disappeared in September 1982
Kevin was reported missing on September 30, 1982.
According to the affidavit, he was last seen around 5 p.m. with the family’s dog, Flash.
Kevin reportedly had difficulty hearing and speaking.
He may have been wearing blue jeans, a red-and-white checkered shirt, and tennis shoes.
Search teams looked for Kevin on foot, by vehicle, airplane, and boat.
The family dog eventually returned home, but Kevin was never located.
His disappearance has remained unsolved for more than 44 years.
Sheriff Says Investigation Continues
In a November 3 statement, the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the property search had ended.
Investigators continue reviewing evidence and following additional leads.
The department emphasized that no determination has been made.
Authorities have not confirmed finding Kevin’s remains or identified anyone facing charges in the case.
Anyone with relevant information can contact the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office at 218-333-9111.
The investigation remains active as Kevin’s family continues seeking answers.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News
Copyright 2026 TRF News. All rights reserved.
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