Human remains discovered March 27 in a wooded area off Blacksnake Road in Hot Springs National Park have been identified as Paige Autumn White, 32, of Hot Springs, and multiple law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation asked for the public's help Tuesday in solving the homicide.
The National Park Service's investigative division, which is heading up the investigation assisted by the FBI, Hot Springs Police Department, Garland County Sheriff's Department and Arkansas State Police, said in a news release issued Tuesday there is "no indication that this was other than an isolated incident."
Unconfirmed reports had been circulating in the community on social media in recent days regarding multiple victims, but multiple law enforcement officials involved in the investigation told The Sentinel-Record Monday and Tuesday morning that there was only a single victim.
Prior to Tuesday, the Park Service would only confirm that a criminal investigation had taken place in that area of park property.
NPS special agents are working with the other agencies "to find out more about the days leading up to White's death," the release said, and are seeking tips from the public to determine the circumstances related to her homicide.
According to local and state court records, White's body was found five days after she left a local addiction treatment center where she was undergoing court-ordered inpatient treatment. The records show she left on March 22 "against medical advice." White was arrested March 3 for disorderly conduct and public intoxication, pleaded no contest on March 5 and was scheduled for a mental health hearing on April 9. The administrator of the treatment center had sent a letter to the court indicating she had not contacted the staff or sought to continue her treatment.
White was described as Caucasian with a missing right eye and an anchor tattoo on her right foot.
"Though no further details about this incident are available at this time, investigators are gathering more information every day to move this case forward and the community's continued assistance is appreciated," the release said.
"Sometimes, people with knowledge about an incident may not initially come forward because they do not realize its importance, because of their relationships to people involved, or they have concerns for their safety. However, information from family, friends, acquaintances, or others who may have seen White recently is often very helpful," it said.
Anyone with information about White or her death, "no matter how insignificant it may seem," are asked to contact the NPS. "You may remain anonymous. You don't have to tell us who you are, but please tell us what you know," the release said.
Those with information can call or text the ISB Tip Line at 888-653-0009; leave tips online by visiting http://www.nps.gov/ISB and clicking "Submit a Tip"; or by email at [email protected].
A large portion of Blacksnake Road was closed for most of the day on March 28 following the discovery of White's remains in an area off Blacksnake near the Whittington Avenue end, according to earlier reports.
An FBI evidence response team was involved because the investigation involved an incident on federal land, which is standard protocol, Alexandra Picavet, the NPS public information officer, told The Sentinel-Record on March 28.
The portion of Blacksnake Road from Whittington Avenue to Bull Bayou Road runs through land that is part of Hot Springs National Park. The parking area for the Sunset Trail crossing is along that area.
"We are looking for the community's help to find out what happened to her. While we cannot share everything we know at this time, we do know that Paige is the victim of a homicide. We are hoping to learn about the days leading up to Paige's death and are eager to hear from family, friends, acquaintances, and anyone else who may have seen her recently," Tuesday's release said.
The FBI's Little Rock office also published a website listing the "common behaviors and characteristics" to "be on the lookout" for in suspects.
According to the website, there is a "strong possibility the person who did this continues to work and/or live in our community."
"This individual likely has familiarity with the areas in which Paige was last seen and recovered. Individual(s) responsible for, or who have knowledge of, the death of Paige may have exhibited changes of behavior" to include the following:
• Altering of physical appearance (growth or removal of facial hair, change in hair color or cut, etc.).
• Cleaning of vehicles.
• Change in normal routine, which might include missing work, classes, or previously scheduled appointments.
• Displays of anxiety, nervousness, or irritability.
• Intense interest in the investigation, a noticeable disinterest, or an unexplained knowledge of the situation.
• Unexplained injuries, such as cuts on hands, bruises, etc., during the period White was last seen alive and then recovered.
"Every day we are gathering more information from the community to move this case forward, and the continued assistance is appreciated," the release said.