FORT SMITH, Ark. — Friday, Dec. 1 will mark the 29th anniversary of the murder of Melissa Witt.
Melissa Witt was abducted in 1994 at the Fort Smith Bowling World parking lot. After over a month of searching, her body was found in the Ozark National Forest by two hunters. According to officials, Melissa had been strangled and her killer took her clothes, shoes, and jewelry which included a Mickey Mouse watch.
Although her body was found, her killer never was. Her case went cold and today, groups that are dedicated to finding justice for Melissa, are joining to offer a reward.
Reward
On this year's 29th anniversary, All the Lost Girls and the Who Killed Melissa Witt Investigative Team have come together to offer a $29,000 reward for "critical pieces of information," according to the release.
The information being sought in exchange for this reward according to the release includes:
Information that leads to Melissa Witt's Mickey Mouse watch and the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for her kidnapping and murder. Or any information that can help identify any of the individuals described below.
1. A short male with a mustache, and glasses, who was allegedly wearing a blue shirt, jeans, brown boots, and a white or light-colored baseball cap on the day of the kidnapping. Officials say the man was seen standing outside of Bowling World on the sidewalk smoking that day. Officials say it is likely that this man "heard and/or saw the very loud altercation" between Melissa and her abductor.
2. A couple with a young child who was at the time between 8 to 10 years of age. These people were allegedly seen "walking across the parking lot and going into Bowling World that day," the release says. The woman is described as short, blonde, with "fluffy" hair. She was also said to have been wearing a "tan/light colored" striped sweater. The man she was with was described as taller than the woman.
Anyone with information on the individuals described is asked to call 1-800-440-1922 or email whokilledmissywitt@gmail.com.
The release says a $29,000 reward will be paid to anyone who can "positively identify one or more of these individuals and this identification leads to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the murder of Melissa Ann Witt."
Co-founder of All the Lost Girls and Private Investigator LaDonna Humphrey explains that the reward will hopefully tie the case together. She got involved with Witt's case in 2015 and has spent time since spreading her story.
"This was a young girl who had her whole life ahead of her and somebody took it from her. And it left behind people who were devastated and have had to try to go on with their lives for 29 years without justice," Humphrey said. "I'm a mom, I have five daughters. And, you know, that speaks to me, like, I would want somebody to do this for one of my kids."
Humphrey explains that as the case grows cold, they have the risk of information being lost. She's directly been involved in making sure no one forgets by writing two books and putting together "Uneven Ground: The Melissa Witt Story." Humphrey explains that the documentary's success has led to more information in the case.
"People are paying attention. And we hope to just harness that power from the film and from the books and say, 'Hey, now we've got one more tool, we've got a $29,000 reward.' And that's a big chunk of money for somebody to come forward," Humphrey said.
Humphrey explains that they're looking for information from a credible witness because she believes they may be afraid to come forward. She also explained that Melissa Witt's Diary also leads her to believe that the Mickey Mouse Watch was kept by the killer who may have known her.
"Like a memento. Like I still care about her. I want to remember her. This is the best way I believe he's got that watch and I believe that he's probably dated other people that have seen it. He's got family members that have seen it. He's got friends that know about it. I believe that firmly," Humphrey said.
Humphrey said that there is DNA evidence in the Witt case but explained that investigators are being cautious.
"I think the investigators are just waiting for continued technology because, you know, you've only got a small sample left, you're looking at all kinds of problems, and it's 29 years old," Humphrey explained.
As interest grows and more information is provided, Humphrey believes justice is close.
"I believe that we're gonna see it solved in the next year, I firmly believe that," Humphrey said. "I really am so encouraged that even after 29 years, people are saying we can't let this go on another year, we don't want to get to the 30th anniversary, we want answers now."
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