Police

Cops: Missing persons report filed for Greenport woman, daughter

A missing persons report was filed for Iona Costello (pictured). (Credit: Facebook)
A missing persons report was filed for Iona Costello (pictured). (Credit: Facebook)

UPDATE, April 20, 7 a.m.: Iona and Emily Costello were found by NYPD ‘in good health at an undisclosed location.’

A Greenport woman and her young daughter, who were believed to be going away for just a couple of days, are feared to be missing by family and friends who have been unable to contact them for the past two weeks.

Southold Police Chief Martin Flatley said a missing persons report was filed for 51-year-old Iona Costello and her daughter, both of whom were last seen on March 30.

The chief said the car belonging to Ms. Costello — the widow of former Costello Marine co-owner George Costello — was found in a New York City parking garage. However, the chief said that at this time, no foul play is suspected.

“She did go away on a trip as planned, but she hasn’t returned in time,” said Mr. Flatley. “They are concerned, but there is no reason to believe there is any misconduct.”

Ms. Costello’s mother, Diana Malcolmson of Shelter Island, said her granddaughter, Emily, was expected back at school Tuesday but has been absent each of the past three days. She said the family’s animals are being cared for.

Ms. Costello is described as a white female standing about 5-foot-10, 120 pounds with blonde hair. An Amber Alert has not been issued for Emily since nothing suspicious has been reported at this time, police said.

Emily Costello
Emily Costello

Chief Flatley said his department is working with the New York Police Department in an attempt to locate Ms. Costello. An NYPD spokesperson declined comment on the investigation since the report originated out of Southold.

“When a missing persons report is filed, their information is entered into a countrywide system for any police officer in any jurisdiction at any time,” he said. “If they run her name when they come into contact with her, that will kick up as her being a missing person.”

Mr. Flatley said there are about a half-dozen missing person reports filed with the town police department each year. One report filed around the first of the year for a Greenport man never turned up any positive results, Chief Flatley said.

Anyone with any information about the whereabouts of Ms. Costello and her daughter are asked to call Southold Police at 765-2600.

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With Grant Parpan