Police and family members are searching for a missing Springdale woman who family says moved from Tucson, Ariz., a few months ago to find a better life.
Valerie Jean McMellon, 36, has been missing since July 17, according to Rubi Chavez, a friend of McMellon’s who is coordinating the search effort.
Her 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe and belongings are also missing, according to the Springdale Police Department. McMellon was treated for depression shortly before going missing, Chavez said.
Chavez said McMellon moved to Northwest Arkansas in the spring with one of her three children to find a job. While in Springdale, she lived with Latasha Evans.
About a month before disappearing, Chavez said McMellon sent her 10-year-old son Jordan to stay with family in Mississippi. When Jordan returned, McMellon was gone.
Jordan stayed with Evans for a few weeks before Evans called police to report McMellon missing, Chavez said. Jordan then returned to family in Arizona. McMellon’s two other children are also in Arizona.
Springdale police submitted a press release to the media Tuesday.
If you have any information on the woman’s whereabouts call the Northwest Arkansas Crime Stoppers tip line at (479) 790-TIPS or the Springdale Police Department at (479) 751-4542.
