Would you dare investigate what clawed monster lives in the deep? Never Forgotten | Arkansas Missing Persons Campaign Eighteen-year-old Dana Stidham was last seen on July 25, 1989 leaving a grocery store in Bella Visa, Arkansas with medicine for her dad. Steve Whitney, then Christian County sheriff, said it was likely her body was tossed down an embankment, where itcame to rest in water up to her waist. The court determined that the events were not foreseeable and the case was ultimately dismissed. In addition, while incarcerated in Illinois he pleaded guilty in March 1971 to killing Obie Fay Ash, 32, of Cotter, Arkansas. This article is an opinion based on facts and is meant as infotainment. Gun sales shot up for a time, and sales of alarm systems and guard dogs also rose as the murders went unsolved . A trapper, looking for deer sign on A US Forest Service road about 18 miles north of Ozark, noticed Witt's nude body lying face down about 30 years from the road. Denver Post . Arkansas killer gets life term Little Rock with 38. The FBI considers eyewitness identification notoriously unreliable, the story stated. 10 Unsolved Mysteries In Arkansas - OnlyInYourState More:'I want justice for my father': An investigation into the 1989 death of Ronnie Johnson. More:Pokin Around: Inspired by a readers question, an investigation into the 1989 murder of Ronnie Johnson. It simply states where murders occurred most frequently on an absolute and rate basis. Arkansas law requires all missing persons to be entered immediately. Kristy told Dateline she and Dana were especially close since they were only a year apart. Who killed Missy Witt? Moody's father Jim wrote a letter about his son that he gave to the media. Melanie ETHIER (1996) - ON Julie FORTIER (Unsolved Murder - 1980) - ON Stefan SCHWARTZ (1960) - B.C. When Georgia received the call from police that evening that Danas body had been found, she said her only reaction was, It just couldn't be. On July 10, 1995, the News-Leader ran a story by reporter Robert Keyes with the headline "Killing 'solved' but never tried." Under the Search tab, select the Card Catalog and look for the title "Fort Smith, Arkansas, Criminal Case Files, 1866-1900." Select "view original image" to be taken to the case file folder. Is This Man a Serial Killer? We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. "Westill follow up on leads that come in from time to time," he said. Although not officially a suspect in any Washington . The city with highest murder rate in Arkansas? At that time, we didnt have Caller ID in the office; it was a voice recording on the machine we had at our Major Crimes Office. The murders remain unsolved. Her keys had been picked up and turned into the front desk of the bowling alley; they were found to have traces of blood on them. 1989 murder of Ronnie Johnson of West Plains, Pokin Around: Inspired by a readers question, an investigation into the 1989 murder of Ronnie Johnson, 'I want justice for my father': An investigation into the 1989 death of Ronnie Johnson, Woman, 15 at the time, disputes account that turkey hunters found Ronnie Johnson's body in the woods, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. "It's better that it not be brought up because the more something like that is bought up, the worse it gets," he said. He ran into a grove of trees anda limb struck hisface. The Springtime Jonquil Festival In Arkansas Thats Unlike Any Other, Spend A Magical Evening Savoring This Wine And Fondue Experience In Arkansas, Arkansas Oldest Drive-In Theater Is Hiding In A Small Town And Youll Want To Visit, Dine At The Historic Spot In Arkansas Where The Legendary Gangster Al Capone Drank Whiskey, The Legend Of Arkansass Very Own Monster Will Chill You To The Bone, 9 True Arkansas Stories That Are Way Creepier Than The Clown Takeover, The Story Behind This Mysterious Creature In Arkansas Is Both Bizarre And Fascinating, The One Place You Have To Go In Arkansas If Youre Looking For Real Adventure, Naomi Rahim / Moment Collection via Getty Images, Calico Rock Historic District in Calico Rock, The Empress of Little Rock in Little Rock. "It took them eight days to find her body. The legend is that a railroad workers head was severed by an oncoming train. The Category is reserved for cases of Unsolved Mysteries that occurred in Arkansas. Double murder of Hot Springs mom, 5-year-old son remains unsolved Little Rock police urging people to be cautious of phone scam Police make arrest in fatal hit-and-run of Benton 13-year-old Murder! Eldorado Jane Doe: An Enduring Arkansas Mystery Begs To Be Solved If you are located in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, is the unsolved murders in arkansas a 16.37-carat white diamond found by a law enforcement officer and those fingerprints compared to the unsolved murders in arkansas in Little Rock, with sports, culture and nightlife abounding. 1. Details About The Murder Of Arkansas Teen Dana Stidham - Yahoo RoadSnacks is reader-supported. Wal-Mart Stores, in conjunction with AR Missing Exploited Children's Center announced the introduction of Missing Person's Poster Display at the local store in Huntsville in honor of Melissa. You just cant accept that your child is gone. Faces of Unsolved Homicide - Project: Cold Case. Although the region has its fair share of beauty and wonder, thats not all youll find there. Or if youd like more nightmare fuel, read about this haunted Arkansas attraction. The officer told Mary Ann that since Melissa is over 18, she can leave on her own accord. News-Sentinel.com - Fort Wayne Arkansas Death Records Indexes, Obituaries and Cemeteries by County. When they find her body, she had been exposed to extreme temperatures, Rush said. With over 600,000 acres of lakes and 9,700 miles of hiking trails. A DNA match helps link multiple unsolved murders down to one man in this clip from Season 2, Episode 5.Tune in to Cold Case Files, Fridays at 9/8c on A&E, an. On December 6, 1991, Austin, Texas was shell-shocked by a vicious crime. It was only after the car was impounded, some three days later, that it was dusted.". While the city with highest number of murders period? Suspected or convicted serial killers in Washington - Seattlepi Oklahoma men charged in alleged torture, murder of missing mom from Since the 1930s, people have been debating the cause of the light. The Missing Person Active/Expired Analysis and the Unidentified Person Active/Expired Analysis reports are available upon request. Soon after the shooting, the suspect went to prison for two years for other burglary convictions. If you've been looking for a place to live in the past several years, you've probably stumbled upon his writing already. Vine's disturbing and vicious rape and killing spree is further explored in theOxygenspecial "Snapped Notorious: The River Valley Killer." She was really sweet, everybody liked her, she was friends with everybody.. 29 Unsolved Murders That Will Send Shivers Down Your Spine - The Lineup Little Rock: 56 | North Little Rock: 23. The 1998 murder of John Alan Moody is one of 10 unsolved cold cases listed on the Springfield Police Department website. Fort Smith, Arkansas: 3 dead and police officer stabbed in the neck - CNN You Decide. Blades was 5-foot-2 and 115 pounds. That caused him to jerk the coat down. You can find out more about him on LinkedIn or his website. 1992 Natasha Atchley White Female San Jacinto County Ranger Company A Re #: 160 1997 Harold William "Bill" Roland White Male If a manila folder image appears, this means you are at the beginning of the case file. Again, these statistics are an indication of where crimes occur, not a statement about the effectiveness of the law enforcement in the areas they serve. Missy's body was nude and placed near a headstone-shaped rock. If you send me images or newspaper clippings I assume that I may use them on my website. So we knew something happened to her, Danas cousin, Kristy, told Dateline. Feeling bad, her mother left her a note asking her to join her for a burger later at Bowling World. Online Arkansas Death Indexes, Records & Obituaries The only clues left at the scene were a gold hoop earring, a crushed hair clip, her car keys, and pools of blood. Chris Kolmar has been in the real estate business for almost ten years now. in Library Science. At that point there was no reason to believe she was abducted. We aim to deliver infotainment about where you live that your real estate agent won't tell you. Missy's body was nude and placed near a headstone-shaped rock. COST OF LIVING Compared to the rest of the country, Fort Smith's cost of living is 25.0% lower than the U.S. average. Do you live in one of the murder capitals of Arkansas? Harsent was six months pregnant at the time of her death. Law enforcement agencies should be contacted without delay. Jenkins. Suspect identified in cold case kidnapping, rape, murder of Arkansas Cold Case Unsolved Homicides TV Schedule for MNT (KFSM-TV2) Fort Smith, AR | TV Passport Four teenagers were camping on the shores of Lake Bodom in Finland on June 5, 1960, when an unknown group or individual murdered three of them with a knife and blunt instrument. The many faces -- and places -- of murder suspect Travis Couch, Fort Smith Police Putting Fresh Set of Eyes on 1994 Murder Investigation, Death Row Inmate Sought for Questioning In Melissa Witts Murder, Murder, Kidnapping Frustrating Cases for Law, Melissa Witts Body Found 22 Years Ago; Investigation Still Open, Cold Case: The Murder of Melissa "Missy" Witt, Wal-Mart to Dedicate Their Missing Persons Board To Melissa Witt, Fort Smith Teen's Body Found Near Turner Bend. And we have, every time we getany kind of lead whatsoever, run down that lead. Murdered: Melissa Witt | Fort Smith, AR | Uncovered Resources. Fort Smith unsolved murder subject of new billboard campaign, Nonprofit launches billboard campaign to bring attention to 27-year-old cold case, Were not giving up: Search still alive 27 years after Melissa Witts disappearance and death, Nonprofit making sure Missy Witt cold case stays front & center, Who Killed Missy Witt team holds press conference on 27th anniversary of kidnapping, Non-profit group asking for information on 27-year-old Fort Smith murder case, More than a story: Nonprofit works to bring awareness to Melissa Witt case, Missy Witt: Cave Springs woman writes book about unsolved murder, Police Say Suspected Killer's Grandparents Withheld Evidence, Arrested man not suspect in girl's kidnap, cops say, Strangled (Who Killed Melissa Witt? He was shot in the back and, police say, beaten. If you have any information, you can call the River Valley crime stoppers at (479)-78-CRIME. Her mother said no and before she left the house, she left Missy a note explaining that she loved her and that she would be at a local bowling alley later that afternoon if she wanted to come by and get something to eat. With so many things you can choose from. Any ties went to the larger city. He was caught in 2000 when he attempted to rape and kill a 16-year-old girl in her house. If I did, I would certainly honor your most understandable request.. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! He chose not to cooperate and therefore remains a suspect in this murder. Juan Ignacio Blanco MALE murderers: . Some, however, have since theorized she was the victim of local serial killer Charles Ray Vine, also known as "The River Valley Killer.". A week later, her body was found some10 miles south of the cemetery and about six miles east of Oldfield, in Christian County. Ten months after Blades vanished, Sheriff Lamb told the publiche doubted there was a crime. "I kind of bonded with her. Also known as Missy, she was an honors student at Westark Community College in Fort Smith, Arkansas where she lived with her mother, Mary Ann. We were together all the time, Kristy said. IE 11 is not supported. Here's what is known about them SABRINA LYNN UNDERWOOD:. Turner retired from law enforcement in 2020 after nearly 24 years with the Ozark Police Department. "This would have been around 1989 or 1990," McCaster told HuffPost. Fort Smith murder unsolved after 42 years, family still has hope In 1979, Lois Ensey was abducted while working at J's Night Owl Grocery off Highway 271 in Fort Smith. Two Hunters Person With Information / Witness, Larry SwearingenPerson With Information / Witness, Travis Dale CrouchPerson With Information / Witness, Unnamed older woman and younger manPerson With Information / Witness, Charles Ray VinesPerson With Information / Witness, Douglas Lawrence LoganPerson With Information / Witness, William Dillard TaylorPerson With Information / Witness, Tara LimbirdFriend / Acquaintance of Victim, Morning:Melissa and her mother have a disagreement over money. He weighed anestimated150 to 160 pounds. 6) Morton S. ROSENFELD (79C-083) LCSO-79-5249 DOD: 05/19/1979 . Contact. Murderpedia . City of Fort Collins Police Services, 2221 Timberline Road, Fort Collins, CO 80525 Phone: 970.221.6540 (non-emergency) . 2020 Homicides in Little Rock and North Little Rock It is now home to large manufacturing plants; St. Edward Mercy Medical Center and Sparks Regional Medical Center, which provide healthcare to residents beyond the confines of the city; and the . Friday, March 17th TV listings for MNT (KFSM-TV2) Fort Smith, AR. Her car was found in the parking lot, but she was nowhere to be seen. William Gardiner, a preacher of the Primitive Methodist Chapel, was suspected due . Officers found a receipt from Phillips Foods in the back of the car, time-stamped 3:17 p.m. on the 25th, according to Sgt. He said it was likely there was more than one assailant because Workman wasstrong. Photo credit: Kurt Wilson/ Missoulian. Shedid. 322 South Main Streeet, Suite 615 Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 682-2222 / Visit Website. She had been brutally murdered and left to die along a logging trail in the Ozark National Forest about 50 miles from where she was abducted. William Scott Smith Unemployed cook, Salem, Ore. . Some of that gas, but not all,could be accounted for by a trip Blades made to Kmart in Springfield to buypresents. "But he could be lying and if he was high on drugs or alcohol as he frequently was at the time he might not even remember," she said. However, they still have hope. "I think I can speak for the entire family when I tell you that the entire investigation both past and present has been an utter and complete disappointment. Her body was found on September 16, 1989 in Benton County, Arkansas. Kentucky detective investigating possible connection between 2011 - MSN The keys were still in the ignition. Missing Persons Information - Arkansas Department of Public Safety Immediately making identification information available to the public has proven effective in helping to locate missing children as well as missing adults. Anyone with information that can help solve this case is asked to call the Cold Case Squad at 816-234-5136. Kelle Ann Workman, 24, was last seen June 30, 1989, while mowing grass at Dogwood Cemetery, outside Pleasant Ridge Southern Baptist Churchat Highways 14 and Z. Sunday, August 8, 2021 The Bizarre History of a Long-Unsolved Murder On Sunday morning, August 2, 1964, a fisherman reported a bloodstained vehicle abandoned at the Water Valley Mill northeast of Springfield. She hadthree children. For nearly three decades the homicide case of Fort Smith teen Melissa Witt has gone unsolved, but a former detective refuses to give up hope. Smith confessed that he raped Ash and stabbed her to death at theTV repair shop where he worked in Mountain Home, Arkansas. *This list consists of persons who have been reported missing to the Department of Public Safety under undetermined circumstances. From mafia to monsters, check out these 10 unsolved mysteries in Arkansas. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'roadsnacks_net-medrectangle-3','ezslot_0',606,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-roadsnacks_net-medrectangle-3-0');For more reading on the Natural State check out: Population: 10,187Rank Last Year: 8Murders: 11 (4th Most)Murders Per 100k: 108.0 (Most)More on Helena-West Helena: Data|Photos, Population: 198,382Rank Last Year: 1Murders: 38 (Most)Murders Per 100k: 19.2 (6th Most)More on Little Rock: Data|Photos, Population: 13,468Rank Last Year: 6Murders: 10 (5th Most)Murders Per 100k: 74.3 (2nd Most)More on Blytheville: Data|Photos, Population: 66,604Rank Last Year: 23Murders: 12 (3rd Most)Murders Per 100k: 18.0 (7th Most)More on North Little Rock: Data|Photos, Population: 37,263Rank Last Year: 14Murders: 10 (5th Most)Murders Per 100k: 26.8 (5th Most)More on Hot Springs: Data|Photos, Population: 24,442Rank Last Year: 3Murders: 8 (7th Most)Murders Per 100k: 32.7 (4th Most)More on West Memphis: Data|Photos, Population: 78,261Rank Last Year: 22Murders: 13 (2nd Most)Murders Per 100k: 16.6 (10th Most)More on Jonesboro: Data|Photos, Population: 6,653Rank Last Year: 7Murders: 4 (10th Most)Murders Per 100k: 60.1 (3rd Most)More on Osceola: Data|Photos, Population: 23,873Rank Last Year: -Murders: 4 (10th Most)Murders Per 100k: 16.8 (9th Most)More on Searcy: Data|Photos, Population: 17,820Rank Last Year: 4Murders: 3 (13th Most)Murders Per 100k: 16.8 (8th Most)More on El Dorado: Data|Photos. Police showed her a photo of a convicted burglar who was known in the area and, according to news stories, she identified the man as the intruder who killed her husband. However, Missy's clothes and personal belongings were missing from the scene and were never found. Updated: 6:31 AM CDT October 4, 2021. Police learn the key witness in the stabbing death of a beloved aunt was an imposter; a return to the crime scene reveals a . She was very sweet, but timid and scared to death of her boyfriend. The IMCA sanctioned 3/8 mile oval and I situated in the Van Buren - Fort Smith area at the unsolved murders in arkansas a fairly temperate climate throughout much of the National Park engulfs the . Colorado Cold Case Files - Home Page Many conspiracies were prompted by the tragedy, including a (mildly far-fetched) drug smuggling cover-up connected to a former U.S. President. So we wanted to get the facts straight and dug into the FBI crime data in order to identify the places with the most murders and the highest murder rates per capita in Arkansas. A patron had discovered her car keys and turned them in the night Witt disappeared. Three years after her murder, Melissa's family, the Parnells' filed a suit against the C N Bowl Corp. Danas father passed away 10 years after his daughter was killed. The suspect apparently was spotted soon after the murder. CBI FOHVAMP . Mark Alan SMITH: 1966 - 1970: 4 - 12: Arkansas, USA : Richard Wayne SNELL: 1983 / 1984: 2: Arkansas, USA . Cold Case - ABI - AST - Alaska Department of Public Safety The 2019 Fort Smith crime rate rose by 17% compared to 2018. After stopping at the store, Blades went to a Nixa laundromat. However, she never made it inside. If you have any updates in any of these cases please contact me. In addition, a homicide can be cleared if there is enough evidence to arrest and charge a suspect, but that suspect is dead. Sign up forOxygen Insiderfor all the best true crime content. We all know she was really responsible, and she knew her dad was waiting on the medicine. From mafia to monsters, check out these 10 unsolved mysteries in Arkansas. Howard County Sheriff's Department. In July of 1979, Lois Ensey was abducted while working at J's Night Owl Grocery off Highway 271 in Fort Smith. Melissa Witt was abducted from the parking lot of Bowling World in the evening. We only looked every single city in Arkansas for which FBI data was available for the most recent FBI Crime In The United States. Sloane McCaster, a member of Websleuths, an Internet forum of armchair detectives who look into unsolved crimes, met Mercedes at a club in Fayetteville, Arkansas. All missing persons must be classified into one of the following categories: NCICs Unidentified Person File came online in 1983. They died never knowing what happened to Dana. As time passes on, I am afraid my sons murderer or murderers will not be found.. Manage Settings She parked her car, and before she would even make it inside the bowling alley, investigators believe Missy was abducted from the parking lot. That would be Helena-West Helena with 108.0 murders per 100,000 people. Cornerstone Mountain Retreat, near Jasper, visitors can walk for miles in pristine forests. Connect with Never Forgotten On September 16, 1989, almost two months after Dana was last seen, a hunter in Benton County, Arkansas came upon a shallow grave in a heavily wooded area. ", In August, 2005, then News-Leader columnist Mike O'Brien interviewed a Springfield writer who had published a book on the Blades murder:A Body on the Farm: The Disappearance and Murder of Carol Blades.". Your anonymous call could lead to a $1,000 reward. Georgia was at work at the time, but her husband Lawrence was at home. Best Places to Live in Fort Smith, Arkansas Melissa was hoping to become a dental hygienist. The unsolved 1989 murder of Ronnie Johnson of West Plainsis but one of many in the Ozarks. The majority of law enforcement officials consider photographs to be the most important tool in missing person cases. We understand if you have trouble getting to sleep tonight, these unsolved mysteries certainly shook us to the core. Her death differed from the attacks on the other three women, though: She was not beaten in the same way. A family is still looking for answers after a Sebastian County womans murder case remains unsolved 42-years later. Records are retained indefinitely, unless removed by the entering agency. But could he have been responsible for another murder? Outreach. He was elected sheriff in 1968; lost in 1972 (some say because of the unsolved Blades murder); and re-elected in 1976 and 1980. Her friends say she was friendly, kind-hearted, and a hard worker, which would serve her well as she dreamed of and was working toward her goal of becoming a dental hygienist. No one has ever been charged. Hurrying to the scene, deputies found a bloody 1961 Ford with bullet holes in it. We use data, analytics, and a sense of humor to determine the dirt on places across the country. They called around to family members and Danas friends, but no one had heard from her that day. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. DNA evidence then connected him to the other crimes. Continue with Recommended Cookies. All rights reserved. List of unsolved murders (1900-1979) - Wikipedia The Bizarre History of a Long-Unsolved Murder - Blogger A CLOSER LOOK: violent crimes increase in Fayetteville - KNWA FOX24 Dumping on the Razorback Greenway worries residents, Police: Greenwood teen taken into custody on drug charges, Storm warning fatigue | Alerting Arkansas, Detective believes 1995 murder of Arkansas teen could be tied to another case, Alma Police receive hundreds of tips since 'Still Missing Morgan' documentary aired. Lamb also told the paper it was best that the case be forgotten. Fort Smith Crime Rates and Statistics - NeighborhoodScout Although the case may be cold, the Fort Smith police are still welcoming any information concerning the case. *While use of the Unidentified Person File is increasing, it is not yet mandated by law to make entries into this file. Firefighters responded to reports of smoke rising from a yogurt shop on West Anderson Lane. Ashley County Obituaries, 1965-present from the Ashley County Ledger - also includes cemetery listings. What haunted locations can I visit in Arkansas? 6:30/6:40 pm:Witness reports hearing woman in distress in Bowling World Parking. More Economy. Rose Harsent was stabbed to death on 1 June 1902, in Peasenhall, Suffolk, England by an unknown assailant. The two masked killers used a handcart to wheel the store safe out of the building and fled in Reese's car. It was only her second night on the job and first night alone. If you have any possible . Both girls were 19 at the time of their death, and both were murdered and found in large forests in Arkansas. You can find the link in the menu bar. In a letter published in the News-Leader they saidthe case should never be forgotten. MISSING PERSON ENTRY CATEGORIES But Melissa never came home, and Mary Anne grew worried. She was shy and didn't like to smile much; she was self-conscious about a crooked front tooth. Her body was found a year later in the Ozark Mountains by trappers. Any ties went to the larger city. This is extremely important in cases involving a possible abduction, suspected foul play or an at-risk situation. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. She says her mothers abduction and murder affected the entire family. Submit Your Loved One. Sergeant Jenkins said Benton County Police issued a Be On the Lookout (BOLO ) at 9:43 p.m. At 6:30 a.m. the next day, Danas car was found in the southbound lane of highway 71, Sgt. About. Help bring awareness to the murder of Melissa Witt in hopes of generating new information that could bring justice to her case, Follow the Melissa Witt Facebook Group to follow the latest updates in the case. They wrote: "When 'Buff'Lamb was called the night Carols car was found, he did not take fingerprints or even caution people to stay away so the car could be dusted later. No answers 29 years after murder of Arkansas teen Dana Stidham - NBC News FPD Sergeant Tony Murphy said. Two Hells Angels held in quadruple killing - SFGATE The Safest and Most Dangerous Places in Fort Smith, AR: Crime Maps and Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact the Fort Smith Police Department. Most Dangerous Places in Arkansas The 10 Murder Capitals Of Arkansas For 2021 1. Uncovered: Unsolved Arkansas Murders At El Patron Mexican . And even the victim and the victims loved ones dont know who the other party iswe normally draw these dead ends, Pevehouse said. It's been over 20 years and people are still looking for answers in the murder of Arkansas teenager, Melissa Witt. If you're looking at the places in Arkansas with the most murders, and where residents have the highest chances of being killed themselves, this is an accurate list. While there are surveys and public polls on what cities in a state are the most dangerous, we didn't want to rely on speculation and opinion. If you have information on any of the persons . The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office is requesting your assistance in closing these open cases. Case of Missing Person: Nona Jean Young (Coleman) W/F, 02-26-51 . This move prompts an interesting discussion about the rights and preservation of potential fantastical threats. You can also report any information you may have concerning a crime and could receive a . Making it tougher for investigators to gather evidence. A 1995 News-Leader story mentioned by name two suspects brothers who lived near the cemetery. The burglar tried to flee out the back but Anstutz confronted him and the two scuffled. Heultimately raped and murdered two elderly women in the River Valley, Arkansas area: Juanita Wofford in 1993, and Ruth Henderson in 1995.