SEPTEMBER 18, 2022

Mena police and fire officials have requested the Arkansas State Police to investigate the death of a woman whose body was found inside a residence yesterday.

The Mena Fire Department responded to the report of a residential fire at 407 1st Street about 1 PM.  While attempting to gain control of the fire, authorities discovered the body.

The house was initially believed to be unoccupied and without utility connections.  Special agents of the state police Criminal Investigation Division are trying to determine whether there is a connection between the fire and the disappearance of a woman who lived in the same neighborhood.

The body will be transported to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory where pathologists will determine the manner and cause of death as well as the identity of the unknown woman.