Kerry Lynn Melnick, 24 and a resident of Lansing, Ohio, was found dead on August 2, 1983. Two railroad workers discovered her body in a small stream behind the former Valley Packing facility in Belmont County. An autopsy by Coroner Thomas Ring determined the cause of death was massive internal bleeding from blunt force trauma to the abdomen.

Investigators have described the circumstances as somewhat peculiar and initially treated multiple possibilities, including accidental injury and foul play. The inquiry went cold after about a year but was reopened in 2000 by Deputy Mary Graham. Further work continued under Belmont County Sheriff Fred Thompson, and in 2006 someone came forward with potential information; a person of interest has been mentioned but may be a witness rather than a suspect. An anonymous call was also received shortly after the crime.

Kerry left behind a three-year-old daughter, Nicole, her husband, Fred Melnick, and extended family who continue to seek answers. The Belmont County Sheriff’s Office and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation are still appealing for leads. Does anyone have information about Kerry or the area behind the Valley Packing facility in 1983?