The ensuing investigation unearthed an intriguing lead. Very interesting article from AY Magazine. Nearly three decades after the investigation hit a dead end, Texarkanas Charles B. Free Child ID kits are availabe to Arkansas families to keep a record of physical, medical and dental information. Little Rock, AR. The trail went cold from there. "It is with 99.99% accuracy that it is Edward Keith Renegars DNA that was collected as evidence from Pam Felkins during the initial investigation," Ryals told reporters. Amber Hunt, Emily G. Thompson. Picavettold The Sentinel-Record that the FBI is working with local law enforcement because the investigation involves an incident on federal land. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. In that case the statute of limitations expires in 15 years. Such is the case of two young men who went missing in 1987 in the U.S. state of Arkansas and would next be seen dead under perplexing circumstances. While the appeal wound its way through the courts, the case was passed along to newly appointed prosecutor Dan Harmon. ", Another user wroteApril 12, "Dang! He believes that Kevin and Don stumbled on either drug traffickers or a drug lab that manufactured methamphetamine and that they were killed as a result. From chilling 'deep freeze' murder to mum torched in a churchyard, the terrifying unsolved crimes that time forgot. ", Pam Felkins, 32, was kidnapped on Feb. 2, 1990 from a video rental store where she worked in Greenbrier, Ark. The reported green tarp was never seen again. When 18-year-old Ella Barham was raped, murdered, and dismembered in broad daylight, the crime sent waves of shock through surrounding counties, the Ozarks, and even the national press. To see a complete list of Butler Center Books, visit www.butlercenter.org/publication. 72201. The murder clearance rate hit an all-time low in 2020, and data analyzed by a nonprofit shows that trend continued last year. Family history says that her maiden name was Carpenter and that her mom was from TN and father from KY. She was supposedly born in Illinois ca 1850. Feb 25, 2019 - Explore AY Magazine's board "Arkansas Murder Mysteries", followed by 987 people on Pinterest. Get App. Stephen noted that although three seconds does not seem like a long amount of time, it felt like an eternity for him. The History Channel even got in on the action, sending its MonsterQuest team to investigate in 2009. A few months later, Abernathy was formally charged with her murder. Pam Felkins, 32, was kidnapped on Feb. 2, 1990 from a video rental store where she worked in Greenbrier, Ark. Jamie founded Listverse due to an insatiable desire to share fascinating, obscure, and bizarre facts. Western Arkansas was also on the circuit of back roads Clyde Barrow used to evade lawmen from other states. Residents honored their memory with a memorial last spring. Garrett was later interviewed by Robert Stack; he claimed that there was drug trafficking throughout Bryant and Saline County that was also connected to several other counties and states. Dont let the serenity of the Arkansas landscape fool you. In an effort to halt the violence and capture the suspect, police put the city under lockdown each day at dusk, patrolling the streets in heavily armed patrols. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. The legal aftermath of the horrific event led all the way to the Supreme Court and a hanging. Harsent was six months pregnant at the time of her death. However, it was never found. Her remains were discovered off Blacksnake Road on March 27, andthe NPS is working with the FBI,Hot Springs Police Department,Arkansas State Policeand Garland County Sheriffs Department. Texarkana was on high alert, but despite the best efforts of the authorities, the violence continued. Thats the last time anyone ever saw him. Others insisted that they saw a Bryant officialthat Dan Harmon fellow we mentioned earlier, to be exactpartaking in a drug deal, and the boys were simply victims of being potential witnesses that could jeopardize a political career. North Arkansas Murder Remains Unsolved, Billboard Now Offers $25K Reward For Information IZARD COUNTY, Ark. The Doe Network has 49 Unidentified Victims listed found in Arkansas.. 32 John Doe's & 17 Jane Doe's.. After two weeks after her disappearance, a grid search was undertaken in the forest where she had disappeared. Ford claimed that hed spotted the beast only days before on a hunting trip, and decided to shoot at it with his buddies. By the time Allen got up from his seat, the man was gone. He said that he and Kevin were going to go out hunting. Four days later, the police had found her dead body in a box buried in the woods. Mrs. Murdaugh was found by her daughter lying in the doorway of the kitchen and dining room, with multiple wounds to the head. 100 Rock Street Harmon was later arrested on charges for running a drug ring, selling primarily cocaine, from his office. Brynn Rainey, 27, vanished in July 1977. "Five bodies have been discovered since March, each dismembered and left in secluded areas in local Arkansas. In a statement to USATODAY, Arkansas 911 News chief editor Paul Maddox said the site nevermentioned that there was a serial killerrunning loose in Hot Springs. Within hours, she had organized a search party. Murderpedia has thousands of hours of work behind it. The trains engineer didnt see the boys in time to stop. In the early morning hours of August 23, 1987, the mangled bodies of Henry and Ives were discovered on a set of railroad tracks in Bryant, a suburb just south of Little Rock. A grand jury reversed its original verdict of probable homicide to definite homicide and Arkansans havent forgotten the boys on the tracks. His true identity will likely forever remain a mystery. He feels that his life could be in danger. Arkansans who have missing loved ones should share as much information as possible, especially the most recent available photographs with their local law enforcement agency. In the last 5 years Hot Springs has seen . He later served time in prison on federal drug and racketeering charges. Local agencies will provide updated information to ACIC to be included on the website. Having had no formal legal classes, she aced the exam and eventually became an expert in abstract and title law. 1. Crawfords last known whereabouts place her at home. The house belonged to two of the victims, 34-year-old Robert Gierse and 27-year-old Robert Hinson. The book is also available from online retailers and through the University of Arkansas Press (via University of Chicago Press) at (800) 621-2736. The day after the conference, the investigation was officially reopened. CALS will select the site and provide landscaping and lighting as necessary. Adding to the intrigue, all of his files on Crawford disappeared after a short trip away from the office. Former Saline County prosecuting attorney Dan Harmon investigated the case and presented evidence to the grand jury. Arkansas Unsolved Mysteries Who was Angeline Patrick? The only items missing were his keys and wallet. Most Wanted Press Releases Sex Offenders. They began a crusade to find out what really happened and salvage the reputation of their sons. He also drove a mustard yellow, long-wheel base Ford pickup, a small gray car, and a Ford LTD. (Faulkner County Sheriff's Office). Thank you for supporting our journalism. This time, he was leaving town, heading down a road less than 200 yards from the spot where the bodies were run over. Simply go tokrogercommunityrewards.com, click Create an Account to sign in, and selectCALS Foundationas your organization to support. Arkansas parents dispute ruling on sons' deaths, Parents Doubt Report Blaming Marijuana: Youths' Deaths on Train Tracks Probed, Forensic photos indicate teens were injured prior to being struck by train, Garrett says, Second Autopsy Report Concludes Teens Murdered, Saline County Sheriff criticizes Malak for his handling of deaths, Prosecutor says teens hit by train may have seen drug dealers before death, Prosecutor: Teens killer will be brought to justice, Teens deaths ruled homicides after parents push for facts, Patrick Matrisciana's US Court of Appeals. Larey claimed that the man had been black, despite not having seen his face, but Hollis said he believed the man to have been white. Rebecca Pocklington; Holly Christodoulou; Published: 15:31, 19 Feb 2020; (Robbi . His findings did little to sway the rest of the force, Henry recounted, and he was reportedly told by his superiors that theres too much money involved before being reassigned. Pierce made a movie loosely based off of the events, titled The Town That Dreaded Sundown. Jimmy Hollis, 25, and Mary Jeanne Larey, 19, had gone to see a movie and then went to park on a local lovers' lane. 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. When Linda Edwards got a job as dispatcher for the Garland County Sheriffs Office, she considered it a godsendbut just six months after joining the force, she vanished. (Faulkner County Sheriff's Office). The third victim was identified as 27-year-old James Barker. On April 16th, 2004 Chester Roberson was found murdered inside AA Auto Sales on Highway 161 where he was employed. Thank you very much in advance. Police have been unable to locate him. Welcome To Arkansas Missing Persons Cases & Jane Doe Cases. They had also been shot to death. They embalmed him and put his corpse on display outside of the local funeral home. Upon a close examination of the crime scene, police discovered that each victim had been struck in the head with some kind of blunt object. Just as mysteriously as the killings started, however, they subsided. Two unsolved Ozarks murders are back in the news this week. The Arkansas Geological Survey was called out to investigate, and while the group noted that there is some evidence that fracking can cause minor earthquakes, they found no link between the drilling and these particular swarms. As a result, the families were not able to move forward with their investigation. Theres a serial killer running loose between Hot Springs and LR. It was featured in a two-part episode of "The Trail Went Cold" podcast. Dr. Frank Schambagh, a professor at Southern Arkansas University, said that the tracks were man-made and that the anatomy of the Fouke Monster didnt fit with the known species of primates. He does not believe that anyone could sleep through that kind of noise. They had both been shot several times in the back of the head. The Gurdon Light was first spotted in the early 1930s, following the murder of a railroad foreman. Earthquake swarms arent entirely unusual in Arkansas. Cold Case Investigations is responsible for the reopening and investigation of older, unsolved cases that occurred in North Little Rock. What had caused Kevin and Don to lie side-by-side on the railroad tracks? Others reported seeing a man in military fatigues loitering near the section of tracks where the boys bodies were discovered. He occasionally stayed overnight, but he always left the following day on the afternoon train. (Faulkner County Sheriff's Office). Alma, ARJune 9, 1995; A six-year-old vanishes while at a little league game. Police who searched the scene later denied that Stephen had told them about the tarp. Uncovered is where the most passionate true crime enthusiasts can learn from and teach others. A $10,000 reward is offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for this crime. Legal Statement. All Rights Reserved. Murdered Ella Barham was the authors long-dead cousin. New Hampshire's most notorious crime is an unsolved serial murder case involving four female victims killed between 1977 and 1985. Five minutes later, Celine County officers showed up. The state medical examiner said the boys had been under the influence of marijuana and he ruled the deaths accidental. Police speculated that Kevin and Don's murder may have been related to drug trafficking. Hempstead County SHERIFF. The Natural State has more than enough of its dark secrets and skeletons in the closet to ruin the serenity. The second attack came about a month after Hollis and Larey were assaulted. The next victims of the Phantom Killer, however, would not be as fortunate as his first. The 2019 Hot Springs crime rate rose by 12% compared to 2018. who was "fortunate enough to escape his grasp," according to Ryals. A family is still looking for answers after a Sebastian County woman's murder case remains unsolved 42-years later. ", A composite photo of a potential suspect based on DNA was released earlier this year. Reports from news sites Arkansas Democrat Gazette and THV11do not say anything about a serial killer. Ursula Herrmann (10), disappeared on 15 September 1981 and she was found dead in mysterious circumstances. In the early 1900s, down in Nevada County, the man who would come to be known as Old Mike was a familiar face in and around the city of Prescott. Captain Mask directed the Crimes Against Persons Unit to gather up all of the open case files, making sure they had as much of the original files as possible. Both bodies were found in 1989 in different months in different. I relied extensively on primary, legal, and academic sources such as court case files, original newspaper articles, history and law books, and Barham family documents.. He was usually present when Kevin returned home from school and his mother, Linda, was always home at nights. . Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. They denied any involvement in the case and sued Matrisciana and his film company for defamation, and the judge awarded them $USD598,750. P.O. Several witnesses who testified before the grand jury were charged with drug trafficking and other offenses. subscribe to our print edition, ad-free app or electronic newspaper replica here. The story haunted Gould for years, especially after she inherited a small tin box filled with Ellas personal belongings. The police failed to find any blood from a supposed wound inflicted by Ford, but they did find a strange set of tracks out in the woods, as well as scratches on Fords door. Spotlighting was a fairly widespread activity among the local boys. All rights reserved. 5 dead bodies so far is what theyre saying.". Arkansas Category page Edit The Category is reserved for cases of Unsolved Mysteries that occurred in Arkansas. MISSING : 16 Year Old Thwana Mithsell Darrough All investigators could confirm was that the killer was a man who wore a white hood, preferred to attack young people late at night in isolated areas, and often used a gun to kill his victims. William Gardiner, a preacher of the Primitive Methodist Chapel, was suspected due . You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! Arkansas Studies Catalog & Digital Collections, NIFI Dialogue Series / NIFI Serie de Dilogos, Mystery of Notorious Arkansas Murder Explored in New Book, CALS and Arkansas Symphony Call for Spoken Word Submissions, Business and Technology Center Opens at Williams Library. While the missing persons case dragged on for close to a year, things took a frightening turn when a hunter stumbled upon Edwards partially buried remains in the woods. Eventually, Glasgow and his company were cleared of anything illegal by the audit. 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. In 1971, Bobby Ford told police that he was attacked by a man-like creature standing over 2 meters (7 ft) tall with red eyes. Give a donation in someones name to mark a special occasion, honor a friend or colleague or remember a beloved family member. Arkansas was a hotbed for mob activity in the first half of the 20th century. He took Curtis spotlight and took his own .22 rifle. A reporter from the local paper thought enough of the incident to file a story, earning the attention of low-budget filmmakers, who turned the encounter into a clumsy horror movie that propelled the creature to national stardom. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. need your help for this. In January 2018, former wrestler Billy Jack Haynes came forward, claiming that he had witnessed Kevin and Don's murders and knew who was responsible. When traveling through southwest Arkansas, we advise sticking to the main roads. Felkins, 32, was kidnapped Feb. 2, 1990 from a video rental store in Greenbrier, Ark., located about 40 miles northwest of Little Rock. Additional counties and states will be added to this database as time and funding permit. "I daresay every lawman who worked this case never quit mulling the story over and over in hopes of turning up the hard evidence that could have convicted Swinney of the murders," Presley told the magazine. In the mid-1980s, a series of articles in The Arkansas Gazette alleged that her disappearance involved Arkansas State Police Commissioner Mike Berg. In the meantime, Captain Mask began contacting retired North Little Rock Police officers to seek out interested individuals who would be willing to volunteer their expertise and help solve some of these cold cases.