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December 3, 2009

Woman found bound in ditch

Van Buren resident discovered near Braggs; Sheriff says same scenario occurred six months ago

By Liz McMahan

A Van Buren, Ark., woman found bound and unconscious in a ditch near Braggs on Wednesday afternoon may not be a crime victim, said Sheriff Charles Pearson.

Passing motorists discovered the woman’s body about 5:30 p.m. about one mile south of the entrance of Greenleaf State Park, Pearson said. She was fully clothed.

At first, the people who discovered the woman thought she might be dead, he said. They had poor cell phone reception and had to go to a nearby hilltop to call for help.

When they returned, they found a pulse. They had removed some of the bonds and she was talking, Pearson said.

When his officers arrived a short time later, she was fully conscious. There was no evidence of any trauma, no bruises or marks, and she claimed she did not know what had happened to her, Pearson said.

Her 2000 Grand Prix was found nearby, with her purse and identification and clumps of her hair that had been cut in the front seat, he said.

“Approximately six months ago, the same thing happened to her in Van Buren,” Pearson said. “She was found pretty much set up like she had been abducted.

“Everything appears to have been staged,” he said. “We believe we are dealing with someone who definitely has some type of mental problem.”

Pearson said investigation of the case will continue to make certain no abduction occurred and then seek mental help for the woman.

“She may not be so lucky the next time,” Pearson said.

It is possible that the woman might have strangled herself with the pieces of baby blanket and shreds of clothing used to tie her up, he said.

“She appears to be a very intelligent young lady,” Pearson said.

Pearson said that while she could go to jail for her actions, he would prefer to see her get professional help.

Even though the incident is believed to have been a hoax, the county expended a lot of resources on the case, he said. His office had four deputies involved in the investigation, two of them on overtime.

“You’ve got to do it and you’ve got to do it right the first time,” Pearson said. “We need to rule out everything.”



Reach Liz McMahan at 918-684-2926 orClick Here to Send Email



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