MITCHELL, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) A partially dismembered body of a female was found near the Mitchell I-90 truck stop just before 11 PM on Monday night. South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley held a press conference on Thursday where he made the announcement. Mitchell police received a 911 call from someone who found what appeared to be a body. When police arrived, they found the body of a female who was identified as 57-year old Melody Fae Gooch of Detroit, Michigan.
“South Dakota’s Division of Criminal Investigation and Mitchell law enforcement have been working to notify Melody’s family members, collect evidence, and analyze security videos, and we have now arrested a suspect identified as Anthony Harris,” said Attorney General Jackley. “This has been a cooperative effort between many different local and state agencies.”
Surveillance videos were viewed, authorities from other states were contacted, and search and arrest warrants were obtained. A truck driver, 50-year old Anthony Harris, also of Detroit, was taken into custody in Washington State. He is charged with second-degree murder and improper disposal. Jackley says he anticipates extradition proceedings to move forward. Gooch and Harris have no known ties to Mitchell. The public is asked to come forward if they have any information regarding the incident, specifically information regarding any sighting of Gooch in the Mitchell-Spencer area.
A photo of Gooch was submitted by the AG’s office.
