Cold Cases in Arkansas: The Shadows That Linger

6 Cold Cases in Arkansas that Linger in the State

May 27, 2025

Arkansas, with its lush landscapes, tight-knit communities, and storied past, also holds deep, unsettling secrets. Behind the scenic beauty lies a darker narrative—one marked by unsolved crimes that continue to haunt the hearts of many. These cold cases, long gone cold in the files of law enforcement, reflect not only the pain of families left without answers but the chilling reality that justice isn't always swift or guaranteed.

At TheColdCases.com, we shine a light on the forgotten, the silenced, and the unanswered. Here are some of the most chilling cold cases from the Natural State that remain open and unresolved.

🔎 1. The Disappearance of Morgan Nick (1995) — Alma, Arkansas

Morgan Nick was just six years old when she disappeared from a Little League baseball game on June 9, 1995. She was last seen catching fireflies with friends in Alma, Arkansas. 🧽 Witnesses recalled a red pickup truck in the area and a man talking to children.

For years, the case yielded little progress until 2021, when the FBI identified Billy Jack Lincks as a person of interest. Lincks died in 2000, but DNA and other forensic evidence tied him to Morgan's case.

Still, despite the renewed attention and extensive media coverage, Morgan's remains have never been found. Her mother, Colleen Nick, remains an outspoken advocate for missing children and founded the Morgan Nick Foundation. 🌟

Keywords: Morgan Nick cold case, Arkansas missing child, Alma Arkansas abduction, Billy Jack Lincks

🔎 2. The Murder of Melissa Witt (1994) — Fort Smith, Arkansas

Melissa Witt, 19, was abducted from Bowling World in Fort Smith on December 1, 1994. Her car was found with her purse still inside, but Melissa was gone.

Six weeks later, her nude body was discovered in the Ozark National Forest. No suspects have ever been formally charged, despite several promising leads.

Private investigator and author LaDonna Humphrey has been working this case for years. She has uncovered chilling coincidences and clues that may connect Witt's murder to other crimes across the South. Melissa's case remains a central focus for advocates seeking justice.

Keywords: Melissa Witt murder, Fort Smith unsolved homicide, LaDonna Humphrey, Ozark National Forest crime

🔎 3. The Killing of Ebby Steppach (2015) — Little Rock, Arkansas

Ebby Steppach's story is tragic and enraging. The 18-year-old went missing after allegedly attempting to report a sexual assault involving four young men. She was last heard from on October 24, 2015.

Her car was found abandoned two days later in Chalamont Park. Three years after her disappearance, Ebby's remains were found in a drainage pipe near the park.

Her death was ruled a homicide, but no one has ever been charged. The mishandling of her case—including ignored 911 calls and missed evidence—has sparked public outrage and demands for reform.

Keywords: Ebby Steppach case, Little Rock unsolved homicide, Chalamont Park death, Arkansas teen murder

🔎 4. Dana Stidham (1989) — Bella Vista, Arkansas

Dana Stidham, a 19-year-old college student, disappeared on July 25, 1989, while running errands in Bella Vista. Her abandoned car was found the next day, with her belongings inside.

In September, her body was discovered in the woods. She had been strangled. Despite several suspects and years of investigation, her killer has never been brought to justice.

In 2020, renewed efforts led to new interviews and DNA testing, but as of now, the case remains unsolved.

Keywords: Dana Stidham murder, Bella Vista Arkansas cold case, 1989 strangulation case

🔎 5. Patricia "Patty" Vaughan (1996) — Potential Arkansas Link

Though officially considered a Texas case, Patty Vaughan’s mysterious disappearance in 1996 has strong ties to Arkansas, where her car was later found.

Patty vanished on Christmas Day, shortly after an argument with her estranged husband. Her van was found abandoned, and her body was never recovered. Multiple sources have suggested she may have been taken across state lines.

The Arkansas-Texas connection keeps this case relevant to both states, and it remains open to this day.

Keywords: Patty Vaughan disappearance, Arkansas missing women, Texas cold cases, cross-state cold case

🔎 6. Rebekah Gould (2004) — Melbourne, Arkansas

Rebekah Gould was a 22-year-old college student when she vanished in 2004. Her body was later found near a highway, bludgeoned to death. For nearly two decades, her case went cold—until 2020.

That year, William Miller, the brother of Rebekah’s ex-boyfriend, was arrested and charged with her murder. He confessed in court, ending years of speculation.

Although her killer was finally caught, Rebekah's story remains one of Arkansas' most notorious cold cases because of how long it went unsolved.

Keywords: Rebekah Gould murder, Melbourne Arkansas homicide, cold case solved, William Miller confession

🚫 Why These Cases Matter 🚫

Each of these cold cases is more than a file in a cabinet—they represent real people whose lives were cut short and families who deserve justice.

These unsolved crimes also point to systemic issues in investigative procedures, including:

Lack of interagency communication
Mishandling of key evidence
Underfunding of cold case units

Bringing awareness to these stories is the first step in applying pressure on law enforcement to reexamine evidence, follow up on tips, and never give up hope.

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