The victim's nude body was found in the bushes at the rest area on Interstate 55 South in Lincoln County near mile marker 26, which is one mile north of the Dixie Springs exit. Those charged with her murder state that she was a prostitute and was picked up in New Orleans, Louisiana. They intended to rob her, but killed her and dumped her body in the area where she was found. They did not know her name. She was buried on December 14, 1989 in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Brookhaven.

Estimated Date of Death: Days prior State of Remains: Recognizable face Cause of Death: Homicide by strangulation

Dentals: Available; jaw restricted paronex shoevel shaped incisor ortho. Fingerprints: Available. RT: PM 14 18 14 17; LT: PI 63 13 16 11. DNA:Unknown

Clothing: White athletic socks, rolled down, with three blue stripes. Jewelry: Unknown Additional Personal Items: Unknown

The Doe Network Case Number: 845UFMS

The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation Cold Case Unit facilitated the interstate investigation required to bring this case to a resolution. On May 10, 2023, through additional DNA testing of a close family member, the unidentified woman was positively identified as Melinda Lou Barnhouse. Originally from Maryland, the circumstances surrounding how she ended up in Mississippi remain unclear. Significantly, the suspect in the case had been apprehended prior to the Barnhouse's identification and is currently serving time in prison. (Information Sourced from DNASolves.com)