Athina Hopson was 25 and from Mendota, Virginia, when she was reported missing on March 21, 2019 after failing to return home. Her family’s last contact with her was March 16. The disappearance of Hopson eventually became linked to a string of violent acts carried out by a single suspect associated with traveling carnivals.

Remains identified as Hopson’s were found in the Mendota area in January 2021, and an autopsy determined she died of a gunshot wound. Investigators say the suspect admitted involvement in Hopson’s death and in the deaths of two other women. The suspect reportedly told authorities Hopson’s shooting was accidental and that her body fell from his vehicle, but investigators found aspects of that account inconsistent with their findings.

Few public details are available about Hopson’s life beyond her age, hometown, and the timeline of her disappearance and recovery. Does anyone who knew Athina or saw her in Mendota in March 2019 have information that could help clarify what happened?