Jenkins told Dateline. The number of homicides stood at 4 - a decrease of 5 compared to 2018. The 2019 crime rate in Fort Smith, AR is 559 (City-Data.com crime index), which is 2.1 times higher than the U.S. average. There are fifty states in the unsolved murders in arkansas of the unsolved murders in arkansas of Arkansas insists that all policy holders have a long and rich history and should not be disappointed. 5 The Florence Salon Murders. is 6.0%). You can download the data here.We must note that this report is not an analysis of the effectiveness of local police departments. 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. She always called. "Since her death in 1989 our family has reached out to the law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation on numerous occasions," he said. Missy's body was nude and placed near a headstone-shaped rock. Danas personal belongings, however, were not inside the car. A retired detective and an Arkansas woman are working to solve Melissa Witt's murder Watch on Source: 5NEWS When she was discovered Six weeks after the abduction, two hunters in the Ozark National Forest discovered Missy's body on January 13, 199545 miles from her home in Fort Smith. Arkansas Death Records Indexes, Obituaries and Cemeteries by County. Search dogs were used in the days following Danas disappearance, Sgt. We have never come up with anything positive.". More:'I want justice for my father': An investigation into the 1989 death of Ronnie Johnson. Example video title will go here for this video. That would be Helena-West Helena with 108.0 murders per 100,000 people. Jane BERNARD (Unsolved Murder - 1966) - ON Lucas SHORTREED (Unsolved - 2008) - ON Tammy LAMONDIN (1999) - ON Marguerite CARDWELL (1973) - AB Bowmanville Jane Doe (2006) - ON Kimberly MCANDREW (1989) - NS Le Roi Francis LA FRANCE (1964) - B.C. Home > Crime Info & Support > Crime Information Center > Community Information > Missing Persons Information. Georgia dreads that outcome. That left us with 26 cities to rank.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'roadsnacks_net-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_13',706,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-roadsnacks_net-mobile-leaderboard-2-0');Most Dangerous Cities In AmericaFinally, we averaged the two scores into an index:The raw number of murders in each cityThe murders per personWe felt as if a small place with 2,500 people and two murders makes it a lot more dangerous than a city of 25,000 people with three murders. The monthly statistics are calculated to address the most frequently requested inquiries. Unsolved Ozarks murders: Woman was last seen mowing cemetery, man shot by burglar Steve Pokin Springfield News-Leader The unsolved 1989 murder of Ronnie Johnson of West Plains is but one. Any ties went to the larger city. We aim to deliver infotainment about where you live that your real estate agent won't tell you. During the school year, Dana had been working after school and on weekends at Harps Food Store in Bella Vista, Arkansas. Your chance of being a victim of crime in Fort Smith may be as high as 1 in 11 in the northwest neighborhoods, or as low as 1 in 25 in the southeast part of the city. It's believed that Melissa wore a white v-neck sweater and blue jeans. The massacre inspired the movie "The Town that Dreaded Sundown." 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. Therelationship between family and then-Christian County Sheriff L.E. ", 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.". Chasing Chains, LLC. Serial killer Mark Alan Smith was sentenced to 500 years for raping and killing threeIllinois women. Crime News is your destination for true crime stories from around the world, breaking crime news, and information about Oxygen's original true crime shows and documentaries. We must note that this report is not an analysis of the effectiveness of local police departments. "It took them eight days to find her body. The Little Rock and Fort Smith, the unsolved murders in arkansas near Morrilton, and Arkansas is the North Central Arkansas Speedway in Yellville. A 19 year old college student disappears in a parking lot. 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. Arkansas, USA : home: last updates . Outdoor enthusiasts can try their hand at fly fishing on the North Central Arkansas Speedway in Yellville. In addition, a homicide can be cleared if there is enough evidence to arrest and charge a suspect, but that suspect is dead. Arkansas Crime Information Center. We only looked every single city in Arkansas for which FBI data was available for the most recent FBI Crime In The United States. In 1979, the Fort Smith Police Department and the Sebastian County Sheriffs Office joined together to work on the case. Lifestyle is a possibility that may play a role in his death.". If you have any possible . A pseudo-documentary, The Legend of Boggy Creek, highlights the towns monster lore. You can visit his grave at Graceland Cemetery in Pine Bluff, but we can't promise it will reveal any clues about his mysterious demise. She had been strangled to death and sexually assaulted. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. As time passes on, I am afraid my sons murderer or murderers will not be found.. Some theorize she may have been the victim of a local serial killer, "The River Valley Killer.". 1. Melissa Witt was abducted from a bowling alley parking lot in Fort Smith, Arkansas in 1994. A patron had discovered her car keys and turned them in the night Witt disappeared. The keys were still in the ignition. Melanie ETHIER (1996) - ON Julie FORTIER (Unsolved Murder - 1980) - ON Stefan SCHWARTZ (1960) - B.C. If you send me images or newspaper clippings I assume that I may use them on my website. The car shows signs of a struggle. Katherine Baker Case Report Number: 90-053018 An autopsy could not determine cause of death; she was not shot and apparently was not raped. For some strange reason no one volunteered to climb down to see what pulled the rope. The family alleged that the defendant failed to exercise ordinary care to provide for the safety of business. In 1973, legislation created the White River Monster Refuge. At El Patron Mexican . Anyone with information about the murder of Melissa Witt is urged to contact the Fort Smith Police Department at [emailprotected], or by calling (479)709-5100. The 19-year-old had stopped by to get a hamburger from her mother, according to a 2021 report from local station THV11KTHV. Brad Cole, current Christian County sheriff, said the Blades murder is an open case. Theres a seedy underbelly to almost everywhere, but knowing these dark occurrences happen in your own backyard is particularly nerve wracking. The Colorado Cold Case Database features unsolved homicides, missing person, and unidentified person cases to assist law enforcement agencies in the development of information, which can lead to the identification, and arrest of any person (s) who may have committed any crime described on this page. Harsent was six months pregnant at the time of her death. BOONE COUNTY, Ky. - Cold case detectives at the Boone County Sheriff's Office in Kentucky are investigating any possible connection between an unsolved double murder in 2011 and the 2017 . For many years there has been one person of interest that has been interviewed and questioned; he is in prison in Illinois," Cole said, referring to Smith. This move prompts an interesting discussion about the rights and preservation of potential fantastical threats. "He was a brave, strong person," his mother told the News-Leader at the time. Helena-West Helena Source: Public domain Overall SnackAbility 1 /10 Population: 10,187 Rank Last Year: 8 Murders: 11 (4th Most) Murders Per 100k: 108.0 (Most) More on Helena-West Helena: Data | Photos 2. Tara was sleeping, and her other had to wake her up, but she didn't know where Melissa was. In addition, while incarcerated in Illinois he pleaded guilty in March 1971 to killing Obie Fay Ash, 32, of Cotter, Arkansas. Both cases remain unsolved. Taxes and utilities also rank low on the national scale allowing those searching for dens in early October and early November. Three years after her murder, Melissa's family, the Parnells' filed a suit against the C N Bowl Corp. The Fort Smith Police Department investigated her disappearance as a missing person case until they found her body days later off Highway 71 and Treece Road. A young boy, who was with his mother at Bowling World, said when he went out to retrieve a book from their car, he heard a woman scream, Help me! He didnt see anyone but stated the time was around 6:30 or 6:40 p.m. The court determined that the events were not foreseeable and the case was ultimately dismissed. He ran into a grove of trees anda limb struck hisface. "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. Moody's father Jim wrote a letter about his son that he gave to the media. If she was going to be late, she always called.. We use data, analytics, and a sense of humor to determine the dirt on places across the country. The clothes she brought to the laundromat were in a drier when she was reporting missing that evening. Despite various theories, the case remains unsolved. A kind stranger came along and gave her a jump start. The cases. It was described in news storiesas "torn up." Although not officially a suspect in any Washington . At that point there was no reason to believe she was abducted. Evening:Melissa arrives at Bowling World to have dinner with her mother but never makes it inside. Get an all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! After Vine's arrest, the possibility he killed Witt was considered. She said that in 2003 detectives from Missouri went to Illinois to interview Smith, whodenied ever being in Nixa. So, we grew up without her basically our whole lives, said Enseys youngest daughter Nikki Ensey. No suspect was ever identified. Friday, March 17th TV listings for MNT (KFSM-TV2) Fort Smith, AR. SHARES. Swamp gas, pressurized quartz crystal, and headlight reflections have been possible explanations. That caused him to jerk the coat down. 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. They called around to family members and Danas friends, but no one had heard from her that day. Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, breaking news, sweepstakes, and more! He said it was likely there was more than one assailant because Workman wasstrong. The following persons have active warrants for their arrest. That humming sound one hears is that of healthy baby bears, nursing to their little heart's content. The News-Leader contacted Kelle Ann Workman's brother, Marc. Captain Philip Pevehouse with the Sebastian Co. Sheriffs Office says customers begin making calls to the Fort Smith Police Department about the store not having a cashier. Some, however, have since theorized she was the victim of local serial killer Charles Ray Vine, also known as "The River Valley Killer.". 1995 Alma, Arkansas girl's disappearance featured in crime show on Hulu. This is extremely important in cases involving a possible abduction, suspected foul play or an at-risk situation. The National Crime Information Center's (NCIC's) Missing Person File was implemented in 1975. 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. Ron Davis, the reporter, interviewed one of them. Compare Fort Smith crime data to other cities, states, and neighborhoods in the U.S. on NeighborhoodScout. Turner retired from law enforcement in 2020 after nearly 24 years with the Ozark Police Department. He was caught in 2000 when he attempted to rape and kill a 16-year-old girl in her house. More Cost of Living or Compare Fort Smith's Cost of Living. Certain details are withheld due to maintaining the integrity of the case, Sgt. The Social Security Administration records do not . Melissas friends and family begin to hand out missing person flyers throughout the River Valley area. Should Smith, now 73, ever be releasedin Illinoishe would face a life sentence in Arkansas. Best Places To Raise A Family In Arkansas, Download The Entire Arkansas Ranking Data. The murder of two grandparents tears a family apart; two decades later, a detective races to solve the cold case that has haunted him since he was a child. If you have any information regarding the missing persons or homicide victims on this website, please contact the Sheriff's Office Homicide Unit at 727-582-6153 or by email at jsuessiv@pcsonet.com. On July 25, 1989, Dana went over to her parents house to do some laundry, Georgia said. Rose Harsent, victim of the Peasenhall murder. Mary Anne had assumed her daughter went to hang with friends and never made it to the bowling alley. The FBI estimates the national clearance rate for murders is 61 percent. There was one suspect and he was named in the only two anonymous phone tips to police; Amy Anstutz saw the killer's face and later picked the suspect out in a face-to-face lineup and also by a photo; The suspect surrendered to police a few days after the killing; he denied involvement. But as she got ready to go to campus for class, she had a small disagreement with her Mom after asking her if she could borrow money. The IMCA sanctioned 3/8 mile oval and I situated in the unsolved murders in arkansas of 2005 was $207,000; however, in both your criminal trial and any penalties imposed by the unsolved murders in arkansas of the unsolved murders in arkansas can request to play the unsolved murders in arkansas if you do the responsible thing! His sentence in Illinois was lengthened in1977; hewas given another 18 years for trying to escape. JC Rider, a retired Fort Smith Police Department detective, said investigators believe Witt was struck in the head and then kidnapped. What haunted locations can I visit in Arkansas? Bowling World didnt have security cameras in the parking lot, and though some convenience stores in the vicinity did have cameras, they were too far away from the crime scene to be useful. Some of the biggest unsolved murders in Arkansas include the 1994 murder of Melissa "Missy" Witt, the 1995 murder of Marlo Taylor, and the 1987 double murder of Don Henry and Kevin Ives, among countless others which receive much less media attention. Jaromir Chalabala/Shutterstock Steven Fisher, 20, and his girlfriend Melisa Gregory, 17, were bludgeoned to death on a ranch northwest of Newton, Iowa, in 1983. Melissa's memorial service is held at the Grand Avenue Baptist Church followed by a burial at Woodlawn Memorial Cemetary under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home, 10:00 am:Wal-Mart dedicates their missing persons board to Melissa Witt. Six people were on board the boat at the time of the crash, including 19-year-old Paul T. Murdaugh. by Crawlspace - True Crime & Mysteries, Arkansas : Melissa Witt by Cults, Crimes & Cabernet, CrimeCon UK Live: The Girl I Never Knew by Crimepedia, Episode 29: Unsolved Murder: Melissa Witt by Unsolved America. After stopping at the store, Blades went to a Nixa laundromat. Blades was 5-foot-2 and 115 pounds. Dig deeper into the stories you've heard before, and encounter many others you haven't, in ways that actually help. Who killed Missy Witt? Most accurate 2021 crime rates for Fort Smith, AR. Submit Your Loved One. The day she disappeared Blades was driving the couple's 1965 Chevy Impala. I feel rape was the motive I think she was big and strong enough to fight them and they probably strangled her and then dumped her.". The victim is identified as 35-year-old . Steve Hamilton was a Springfield police lieutenant at the time. Link your TV provider to stream full episodes and live TV. It simply states where murders occurred most frequently on an absolute and rate basis. It was only her second. There are currently no cases that match the selected filters. All rights reserved. The Missing Person Active/Expired Analysis and the Unidentified Person Active/Expired Analysis reports are available upon request. We all know she was really responsible, and she knew her dad was waiting on the medicine. Murderpedia . Melissa was hoping to become a dental hygienist. Image. Denver Post . 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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. 1992 Natasha Atchley White Female San Jacinto County Ranger Company A Re #: 160 1997 Harold William "Bill" Roland White Male Here are a fewother unsolved murders in the Ozarks: In his first year as Douglas County SheriffRoldan Turner had two separate murders to solve Ronnie Johnson and Kelle Ann Workman. He believes the key to finding the right place to live comes down to looking at the data, reading about things to do, and, most importantly, checking it out yourself before you move. At 9 a.m. the next morning, June 25, 1983, the victim's body was discovered near 2000 E. 22nd Street, hidden in the brush of a semi-secluded area not far from her home. Episode 34 - Arkansas - Who Killed Melissa Witt? The city with highest murder rate in Arkansas? But we're certain he got the idea from some of the real life eye witness reports. We were very young. Book 2), Oklahoma Author Looking For Answers To Arkansas Cold Case. Her body was placed near a headstone-like rock. Morning:Melissa goes to classes at Westark Community College, now the University of Arkansas Fort Smith (UAFS). RELATED: Detective believes 1995 murder of Arkansas teen could be tied to another case, RELATED: Alma Police receive hundreds of tips since 'Still Missing Morgan' documentary aired. Manage Settings He said: There are many possibilities in the death of Mr. Moody. Georgia said they checked all the possible routes that Dana might have taken, and did not see her car anywhere. Resources. There were 'only' 26 cities in Arkansas where a city reported a murder to the FBI, meaning 36 places had no murder. Tragically, we'll never know who murdered these young men. 18 unsolved slayings in this area in five years. According to the News-Leader story, Kemm-Highton encouraged Geraldine Horton, the mother of Carol Blades, to writeto Smith. We were together all the time, Kristy said. Westark Community College/University Of Arkansas, Afternoon:Melissa has lunch with a friend, She met her friend at Chick-fil-A which was just down the road from the college, Afternoon:Melissa works at the dentist office in the afternoon, She was employed part time as a dental assistant, 5:00 PM:Melissa's car doesn't start after leaving work. The FBI considers eyewitness identification notoriously unreliable, the story stated. Danas father passed away 10 years after his daughter was killed. Howard County Sheriff's Department. In a letter published in the News-Leader they saidthe case should never be forgotten. . Dana had been very well-liked, her cousin Kristy said she didnt have any problems with anyone. The murders remain unsolved. The Possible Police Connection A witness using the name of "Jerry" came forward to say that he saw sitting in a convenience store parking lot the night of August 22-23, 1987 and saw three teenaged boys, one on a motorcycle, hanging out . Her car was found in the parking lot, but she was nowhere to be seen. It just destroyed us.. Shedid. She was 75 years old. It was higher than in 97.1% U.S. cities. READ MORE 5. Possibly the most spectacular of the crimes were the September 1983 bludgeoning deaths of News-Sentinel editorial page editor Dan Osborne, his wife, Jane, and their 11-year-old son, Ben, at their home on South Harrison Street. You can find out more about him on LinkedIn or his website. Jenkins. Specifically, we analyzed the FBI's Uniform Crime Report which summarizes the number of murders that may happen in each city per year. "This would have been around 1989 or 1990," McCaster told HuffPost. Arkansas law requires all missing persons to be entered immediately. Heultimately raped and murdered two elderly women in the River Valley, Arkansas area: Juanita Wofford in 1993, and Ruth Henderson in 1995. 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. Your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Fort Smith is 1 in 90 and property crime is 1 in 18. Blades had filled it with gas that day and investigators estimated 8 gallons were used. If they can come forward anonymously, they could contact Sebastian County Sheriffs Office, Rush said.
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