80-Year-Old Arizona Woman Charged in 1985 Cold Case Murder
Mary Josephine Bailey, an 80-year-old woman from Apache Junction, Arizona, has been charged with first-degree murder in connection to the 1985 cold case murder of Yvonne Menke in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin. Menke was found shot to death in a stairwell, and Bailey, who lived near the crime scene and had been dating the same man as Menke, was implicated in the crime. The criminal complaint reveals that Bailey had a motive, as witnesses claimed she was upset about not being invited to the birthday party of the man they both dated. The investigation, spanning decades, involved interviews with Bailey, the man, Jack Owen, and other individuals. Fresh evidence emerged in 2021, including Bailey’s emotional state on the night before the murder and a request she made to burn clothing after Menke’s death. Bailey, currently held in Arizona awaiting extradition, did not respond emotionally or verbally when informed of the likely charges. The evidence also includes a matching boot print in the snow near the crime scene and a .22 caliber weapon connection.
Decades of Mystery Unraveled: The Heartfelt Journey to Rediscover Melody, A Lost Soul in the Arizona Desert
After more than three decades, the long-standing mystery of the Apache Junction Jane Doe case has been solved, revealing the identity of the previously unknown individual as 15-year-old Melody Harrison, reported missing from Phoenix, Arizona, in June 1992. Apache Junction Police Investigator Stephanie Bourgeois, utilizing innovative genetic genealogy techniques from the DNA Doe Project, successfully identified Melody’s decomposed remains found in a remote desert area. The investigation, ongoing despite the identification, aims to unravel the circumstances leading to Melody’s presence over 40 miles from her residence. The breakthrough in her identification was achieved through the analysis of DNA, family tree construction, and collaboration with databases. Although Melody’s family had believed she started a new life, her identification brings a mix of relief and unanswered questions about the circumstances of her death. The Apache Junction Police Department now seeks information from the public to piece together Melody’s activities and relationships during her time in Apache Junction in 1992. Anonymous tips are encouraged, with potential rewards for information leading to the resolution of the case.
Arizona Man Faces Charges in Shocking Child Pornography Case with Disturbing Discoveries
An Arizona man, 37-year-old Merlin Harrigan, is facing multiple charges following the discovery of a significant collection of child pornography. Harrigan was indicted on September 14 by a Pinal County Grand Jury on 10 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor. His arrest took place at the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office. The investigation into Harrigan began when the Casa Grande Police Department executed a search warrant at his residence related to a theft investigation. Upon entering the home, investigators uncovered children’s clothing, sex toys, and a child sex doll, along with the seizure of firearms, drugs, and electronic devices. A subsequent forensic analysis of Harrigan’s devices revealed approximately 151,500 images and videos depicting child sexual abuse.
Seeking Information: Preston Lord, Homicide Victim
The FBI’s Phoenix Field Office and the Queen Creek Police Department in Arizona are seeking the public’s assistance regarding the assault and death of Preston Lord. On 10/28/23, 16-year-old Preston Lord was assaulted on the street in the area of 194th and Via Del Rancho, Queen Creek, AZ. He died from his injuries on 10/30/23. Investigators are asking anyone with photographs or videos from or rear the incident to submit them to www.fbi.gov/prestonlord
If you have any information concerning this case, please contact the FBI’s Toll-Free tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI
REWARD: The FBI is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of the individual(s) responsible.
