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. Our Cases. She always called. Lawrence Timmons, 65, was indicted for Smith's murder while he was in jail on unrelated charges, a Lawrence County Sheriff's Office release stated. Three people died and an officer was stabbed in the neck in an incident in Fort Smith, Arkansas, Sunday. On a daily basis, JC. Little Rock 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. Of particular interest to Missouri investigators is that Smith raped and stabbed to death anIllinois woman named Jean Bianchi, a 27-year-old housewife. Melissa drove a white 1995 Mitsubishi Mirage. Arkansas Game and Fish Wildlife Biologist in the unsolved murders in arkansas to 2006. Episode 34 - Arkansas - Who Killed Melissa Witt? Sheriff Lamb, who died at age 77 in 2001, was a former rodeo performer who as sheriff wasknown for straight talk and at times for roughing up those in custody. Therelationship between family and then-Christian County Sheriff L.E. Project: Cold Case is a not-for-profit organization with an ambitious goal of publicizing all unsolved homicides in the United States while linking information, families, and law enforcement, and ultimately, helping to solve cold cases. The Texarkana Moonlight Murders, a term coined by the contemporary press, was a series of four unsolved serial murders and related violent crimes committed in and around the Texarkana region of Arkansas and Texas in the late winter and spring of 1946. This, however, only applies to their own. But Mary Ann knew this was out of character for Melissa. Theres a seedy underbelly to almost everywhere, but knowing these dark occurrences happen in your own backyard is particularly nerve wracking. With over 600,000 acres of lakes and 9,700 miles of hiking trails. The light is the ghosts lantern used to search for his head. 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. This move prompts an interesting discussion about the rights and preservation of potential fantastical threats. Melissa Witt was abducted from a bowling alley parking lot in Fort Smith, Arkansas in 1994. Arkansas features cultural and social hub of the Arkansas Insurance Department. She was later found dead by trappers, who spotted her by a logging trail in the Ozark National Forest, about 50 miles from where she was abducted, the KTHV reported. Melissa's mother, Mary Anne passes away. Compare Fort Smith crime data to other cities, states, and neighborhoods in the U.S. on NeighborhoodScout. ARKANSAS (KNWA/KFTA) In 2020, Fayetteville has had seven homicides/murders; there were five in 2019, according to the Fayetteville police department (FPD). This was on Dec. 3, 1969 12 days before Blades was abducted and killed. No suspect was ever identified. Do you feel thoroughly thrilled and chilled? After stopping at the store, Blades went to a Nixa laundromat. No suspect was ever identified. 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. He ran across a field in a southeast direction and when he realized he was being observed by at least one of the three in the other car he lifted a coat to hide his face. He ran into a grove of trees anda limb struck hisface. In a letter published in the News-Leader they saidthe case should never be forgotten. Georgia has now outlived her husband and both of children. However, she never made it inside. is 6.0%). The Category is reserved for cases of Unsolved Mysteries that occurred in Arkansas. In addition, a homicide can be cleared if there is enough evidence to arrest and charge a suspect, but that suspect is dead. Smith confessed that he raped Ash and stabbed her to death at theTV repair shop where he worked in Mountain Home, Arkansas. Lois Ensey left behind a husband and two daughters ages two and four. Melissa's mother assumed that her daughter was with friends that evening. The West Memphis Three: Arkansas's most controversial murder case involves three men who were tried and convicted as teenagers in 1994 of the 1993 murders of three eight-year old boys (Steve Branch, Michael Moore, and Christopher Byers) in West Memphis, Arkansas. Moody had not been reported missing, family members told police, because it wasn't unusual for him to not be in contact with his family for stretches of time. Drugs is a possibility. 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. Join a singles club and meet with great singles. She had accidentally left something on, and the battery was dead. The court determined that the events were not foreseeable and the case was ultimately dismissed. Is This Man a Serial Killer? 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. Shedid. Most Dangerous Places in Arkansas The 10 Murder Capitals Of Arkansas For 2021 1. So we knew something happened to her, Danas cousin, Kristy, told Dateline. The National Crime Information Centers (NCICs) Missing Person File was implemented in 1975. Contact. Melissas friends and family begin to hand out missing person flyers throughout the River Valley area. Did The River Valley Killer Kidnap A Teenage Girl From A Bowling Alley Parking Lot And Murder Her? The BridgeWay mental-health hospital, admitting it had wronged a 14-year-old patient who . 1995 Alma, Arkansas girl's disappearance featured in crime show on Hulu. We all watch the news with horror when we hear about a homicide that happens not that far away from us. Sure, that's fiction. 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. Lawrence, who had medical issues, was feeling ill that day, so he asked Dana if she could pick up his medicine at Phillips Foods store in Bella Vista. Early in the history of Arkansas and the city, Fort Smith was an important point of contact to the American West. Her clothing was missing from the crime scene, including her jeans, undergarments, purse, one earring, and her Mickey Mouse watch. We aim to deliver infotainment about where you live that your real estate agent won't tell you. Asking for witnesses who might have seen anything, no matter how small, to speak up. 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. He was described as 5 feet 9 or 10 inches tall, a white man with a dark complexion andblack hair combed back. It was only her second night on the job and first night alone. Melissa Witt was abducted from the parking lot of Bowling World in the evening. 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. CBI FOHVAMP . Jenkins told Dateline. 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. Arkansas native, Carol Ann Carson, has written for OnlyInYourState for three years now. Georgia said they checked all the possible routes that Dana might have taken, and did not see her car anywhere. Danas parents continued to drive around, but did not find their daughter. Katherine Baker Case Report Number: 90-053018 The burglar shot Anstutz twice in the abdomen. MISSING PERSON ENTRY CATEGORIES They pointed out that the couple had recently received word they were approved to adopt a child and earlier that day Carol Blades had bought Christmas presents and set up the tree at home. Unsolved Murders. December 1, 1994, was a typical day for Missy. 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. Most accurate 2021 crime rates for Fort Smith, AR. Thinking their daughter may have had car trouble, Lawrence and Georgia got in their car and drove around to find Dana. In 1979, Lois Ensey was abducted while working at J's Night Owl Grocery off Highway 271 in Fort Smith. Georgia was at work at the time, but her husband Lawrence was at home. It was described in news storiesas "torn up." Mary Anne had assumed her daughter went to hang with friends and never made it to the bowling alley. At El Patron Mexican . 6:30/6:40 pm:Witness reports hearing woman in distress in Bowling World Parking. SHARES. 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? The coat was corduroy and possibly fleece-lined. More Cost of Living or Compare Fort Smith's Cost of Living. It simply states where murders occurred most frequently on an absolute and rate basis. The hunt for answers continues to this day, as the case remains open,THV11 KTHV reported. 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. Law enforcement agencies should be contacted without delay. William Miller is a member of that group. That left us with 26 cities to rank. 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.. Fort Smith jobs have decreased by 1.6%. Melissa asked her mom to borrow some money and told her she would pay her back with her next paycheck. The only clues left at the scene were a gold hoop earring, a crushed hair clip, her car keys, and pools of blood. Despite various theories, the case remains unsolved. Murder Mystery: The Mickey Mouse Killer Part 1, A retired detective and an Arkansas woman are working to solve Melissa Witt's murder, Murder Mystery: The Mickey Mouse Killer Conclusion, Who Killed Missy Witt? The rate of crime in Fort Smith is 55.87 per 1,000 residents during a standard year. You can download the data here. The Victims: Forty Unsolved Murders Since 1984 Nov 21, 1991 This is a list of 40 unsolved killings in King, Snohomish and Pierce counties since 1984, the year officials say the Green River. Although the region has its fair share of beauty and wonder, thats not all youll find there. All missing persons must be classified into one of the following categories: NCICs Unidentified Person File came online in 1983. She resides in Western Arkansas' Mountain Frontier but calls NWA home as well. On July 25, 1989, Dana went over to her parents house to do some laundry, Georgia said. At that point in the investigation, there was no reason to believe she was abducted. The family alleged that the defendant failed to exercise ordinary care to provide for the safety of business. 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. Aaron Smith Found Murdered on Serene Campground, A First Look at the Murder of Aaron Smith. At approximately 7:45 PM, a person found Melissa's car keys and turned them in at the front desk at Bowling World. If I did, I would certainly honor your most understandable request.. Records in the Missing Person File are retained indefinitely or until the individual is located or the record is canceled by the entering agency. The cemetery is 13 miles northwest of Ava in Douglas County. 322 South Main Streeet, Suite 615 Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 682-2222 / Visit Website. 1. Or if youd like more nightmare fuel, read about this haunted Arkansas attraction. By James Pletcher Jr. Jul 25, 2013 . Do you live in one of the murder capitals of Arkansas? When a crime happens, and you dont know who the other party is. And we have, every time we getany kind of lead whatsoever, run down that lead. People who live in Fort Smith generally consider the southeast part of the city to be the safest. Ten months after Blades vanished, Sheriff Lamb told the publiche doubted there was a crime. Brad Cole, current Christian County sheriff, said the Blades murder is an open case. Outreach. Little Rock: 56 | North Little Rock: 23. Paul Anstutz, 26, and his wife Amy, 30, returned home on a Thursday night, Oct. 8, 1992, and surprised a burglar in their homeat 2546 S. Glenwood Terrace, in the Brentwood Terrace subdivision. RELATED: Details About The Murder Of Arkansas Teen Dana Stidham And Why Police Have Yet To Find Her Killer Alabama. The 19-year-old had stopped by to get a hamburger from her mother, according to a 2021 report from local station THV11KTHV. Kristy told Dateline she and Dana were especially close since they were only a year apart. It was higher than in 97.1% U.S. cities. Trending pages Morgan Nick Don Henry and Kevin Ives Carson Prince Ann Sigmin and Garey Goff Gainesville Killers Tony Alamo Amanda Tusing Larry Chism All items (16) # A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Other A Amanda Tusing Ann Sigmin and Garey Goff "It took them eight days to find her body. Six people were on board the boat at the time of the crash, including 19-year-old Paul T. Murdaugh. He was convicted of the murder of Melissa Trotter who was killed in a very similar manner as Missy. 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. At that point there was no reason to believe she was abducted. Tara Strozier, a 40-year-old from Fort Smith, Arkansas, was last seen alive about 20 miles away across state lines in Cameron, Oklahoma, on July 17, according to the Fort Smith Police Department . Book 2), Oklahoma Author Looking For Answers To Arkansas Cold Case. The monthly statistics are calculated to address the most frequently requested inquiries. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Chasing Chains, LLC. RoadSnacks is reader-supported. And give us some information about what they actually told the police department back there in 1979, daughter Nikki Ensey told 5NEWS. In December 1977 a man was arrested in connection to the death and questioned. 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. If you have information on any of the persons . You may also email information to the Detectives, by clicking on the link. There are fifty states in the unsolved murders in arkansas near future, information on Arkansas construction project? A documentary is being developed to cover Missy's case, and community advocates recently launched a billboard campaign to highlight her unsolved murder. if(window.innerWidth<700){ezoicSiteSpeed(jQuery(document),String(/documentReady/).substring(1).slice(0,-1),String(/jQuery-document-dot-ready/).substring(1).slice(0,-1),function($){$("#skip_expand").html("(Expand+)");$("#toc ul").css("display","none");$("#skip_expand").on("click",function(){$("#toc ul").toggle()});$("#toc h3").on("click",function(){$("#toc ul").toggle()});});}. Her parents and other family members offered $10,000 for information leading to an arrest. The architectural style is predominantly brick-oriented with many people to move, and land is worth in the unsolved murders in arkansas of your license. Jenkins told Dateline. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. A 19 year old college student disappears in a parking lot. ", 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.". The victim is identified as 35-year-old . Jenkins, skeletal remains were in the grave, and Dana Stidhams clothes were found nearby. He may have been lost at times, but who of us has not been lost? He said it was likely there was more than one assailant because Workman wasstrong.