Opinion | A murder investigation, a boat launch and a pile of underwater cars

Key Takeaways:

• A submerged vehicle and body were uncovered in Sartell, Minn.
• The discovery was notably more revealing than a previous search.
• The article highlights a murder investigation context.
• This is an opinion piece from author Richard Greelis.
• Originally published by Startribune on August 21, 2025.

Introduction

The Mississippi River has long held secrets in its currents. Recently, that reality was brought into sharp focus when a submerged car—and a body within it—was discovered near Sartell, Minnesota. This event, as viewed by commentator Richard Greelis, proved far more fruitful in solving questions about missing individuals than a previous, less successful underwater search.

Background

In his article, titled “Opinion | A murder investigation, a boat launch and a pile of underwater cars,” Greelis details how a prior investigation that he worked on failed to uncover significant evidence beneath the water’s surface. That past case, tied to a murder inquiry, involved repeated attempts at searching a boat launch area only to find little of consequence.

Investigative Insights

This recent discovery in Sartell proves that with the right conditions and thorough investigation tactics, even deep waters can reveal critical evidence. Although details of the murder investigation remain limited, the contrast is clear: sometimes, as Greelis points out, the murky depths hide not just vehicles but also the ultimate answers investigators seek.

Reflections from the Author

“The recent discovery of a car and body in the Mississippi River in Sartell, Minn., was much more revealing than underwater search efforts on a case I once investigated,” Greelis writes. This line underscores how differently two seemingly similar searches can turn out. One location had a pile of underwater cars but few answers; the other yielded a breakthrough that may reshape a once-cold inquiry.

Conclusion

For observers and investigators alike, these findings remind us that rivers can withhold valuable evidence, waiting for the moment when diligent work and a bit of luck converge. As Greelis’s experience shows, uncovering a submerged vehicle can unlock long-awaited truths and bring resolutions to mysteries that once seemed unfathomable.