UPDATED NEWS RELEASE AS OF SEPTEMBER 27, 2014
The body of a woman found alongside Interstate 40 near Palestine earlier this week has been identified as Amy Darlene Bandy, age 35.
A commercial truck driver notified Arkansas State Police shortly after 1 AM Wednesday (September 24th) he had seen the body near the 236 mile marker next to the outside highway traffic lane.
An examination of the body at the Arkansas State Crime Lab indicates Bandy may have been struck by a vehicle and died.
Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division Special Agents are working to identify where Bandy had been in the days before her death and develop leads to identify a vehicle that may have struck Bandy.
Anyone with information about the death of Bandy or who may have known of her whereabouts prior to her death is asked to contact the Arkansas State Police Highway Patrol Division, Troop D at Forrest City by calling (870) 633-1454.
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The Arkansas State Police is investigating the death of a woman whose body was discovered earlier today (Wednesday, September 24, 2014) along I-40 near Palestine east of the rest area at the 236 mile marker. The body was spotted on the outside lane of the highway by a truck driver who then contacted State Police, Highway Patrol Division, Troop D shortly after 1 AM.
State Police Criminal Investigation Division Special Agents are working to identify the body described as a white female, 25 – 35 years of age, small in stature, blonde hair and a tattoo on the left arm depicting a rose with the names, Shannon, Samantha and Deanna.
The woman was wearing blue jean shorts, a lilac colored top. Justin cowboy boots were found near the body.
The manner and cause of death will be determined by the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory.
Anyone with information about the death of the woman or who may suspect they know the victim, please contact the Arkansas State Police Highway Patrol Division, Troop D at Forrest City by calling (870) 633-1454.