Detroit Police Name Ex-Boyfriend as Person of Interest in Woman's Disappearance

Caitlin Tressler, 36, has been missing since March 27 after a domestic incident at her home.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:40pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a set of car keys against a stark, black background, the harsh flash illuminating the metal and plastic details of the keys in a gritty, investigative style.As the investigation into Caitlin Tressler's disappearance continues, police have recovered key evidence that could provide crucial clues.Today in Detroit

Detroit police have named the ex-boyfriend of a missing woman, Caitlin Tressler, as a person of interest in her disappearance. Tressler, 36, was last seen on March 27 after police responded to a domestic violence call at her home. Police made contact with Tressler and her ex-boyfriend that day, but determined there was no threat and left. Tressler was reported missing on April 2, and police have since executed search warrants and impounded her vehicles as part of the investigation.

Why it matters

Domestic violence cases often involve complex relationships and histories, and the police's handling of the initial March 27 incident is now under internal investigation. The disappearance of Caitlin Tressler has raised concerns about potential gaps in the city's response to domestic violence calls and the need for more thorough follow-up procedures.

The details

According to Detroit Police Major Crimes Unit Commander Rebecca McKay, officers responded on March 27 to a call for a domestic violence incident at Tressler's home. They made contact with Tressler through an open window, where she spoke to officers. Police also made contact with a man inside the home — who is said to be her ex-boyfriend or possibly her current boyfriend. At some point, officers determined that there was no threat and left the scene. On March 29, police responded to the home again for a welfare check and found the home had been "packed up." Two additional welfare checks on March 31 also went unanswered. Police executed a search warrant once Tressler was reported missing on April 2 and found her two vehicles parked in the driveway. A U-Haul related to the case has also been recovered, and police have made contact with Tressler's ex-boyfriend, who has been named a person of interest.

  • On March 27, police responded to a domestic violence call at Tressler's home.
  • On March 29, police conducted a welfare check and found the home had been "packed up."
  • On March 31, police conducted two additional welfare checks that went unanswered.
  • On April 2, a missing person's report was filed for Tressler, and police executed a search warrant.

The players

Caitlin Tressler

A 36-year-old woman who has been missing since March 27 after a domestic incident at her home.

Rebecca McKay

The Detroit Police Major Crimes Unit Commander overseeing the investigation into Tressler's disappearance.

Tressler's ex-boyfriend

A man who was present at Tressler's home during the March 27 domestic incident and has been named a person of interest in her disappearance.

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What they’re saying

“I can't speak to why they made the decisions that they made, but what I can tell you is that there is an internal investigation.”

— Rebecca McKay, Detroit Police Major Crimes Unit Commander

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Tressler's ex-boyfriend to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for more thorough follow-up and investigation procedures in domestic violence incidents, as well as the importance of addressing potential gaps in the police response to ensure the safety of victims. The internal investigation into the handling of the March 27 call will be crucial in determining if changes are needed to prevent similar situations in the future.