Melanie Anita Clark, a 62-year-old woman from Salisbury, North Carolina, was murdered on March 26, 2018. She was found in her home with a gunshot wound to the head after an initial report of cardiac arrest was later revised when investigators determined the true cause of death. Melanie had worked at Freightliner for more than 20 years, was active at Progressive Outreach Ministry, and was raising her grandson Joshua Dimitri Clark.

According to the investigation, 25-year-old Joshua Dimitri Clark confessed to shooting Melanie with a rented 9mm handgun he obtained from a friend, then stole her purse and used her bank card to make multiple ATM withdrawals. Joshua was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and robbery with a dangerous weapon and was held in the Rowan County jail without bond. Two other people, Creaig Wilson Helms Jr. and Cory Wayne Harrington, were arrested and charged with felony identity theft for using Melanie’s bank card.

Melanie’s family, coworkers and church community remember her for her kindness and dedication. If anyone knew Melanie, her grandson, or has information about the events of March 26, 2018, please come forward.