In Kelli's case, there were organized searches in mass the days, for two weeks iirc, following her being reported missing (went missing wee hours on a Sat., not reported until mid-morning Monday). This phase is called 'search mode for an alive person'. Later it changes to 'recovery mode'. Later still, with LE and formal search parties involved, LE steps back and enters 'investigative mode'. In the meantime, volunteers continue to search.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't LE need a warrant in order to search private property? I know LE almost always puts out a plea for property owners to please search their properties and trusts civilians will do so.
In Jessica Ridgeway's case, LE conducted an in-home neighborhood search where most people were willing to open their doors, sheds, garages, etc. No warrants were issued during that phase.
I don't believe, in Kelli's case, the land searches included private property but, it seems, the searchers would ask for permission. If the answer was "no", they had to move on. So, it seems to me, they asked for permission to search the land where Kelli was eventually found, but their request was refused. Such a shame when considering the agony of not knowing was prolonged for her family and friends.
I just don't think LE can obtain warrants to search every private property within range.
Maybe, behind the scenes, LE notes and is suspicious of land owners who refuse searches of their property.
A land owner can claim they searched already I guess.
How does LE figure out if the land owner had anything to do with the crime or not?