Melody was last seen in Earlsboro, Oklahoma on May 4, 1983. She spent the day fishing with her family. Her younger brother gave her a ride to her home on Benson Park Road and dropped her off. Her brother noticed the door was ajar and lights were on inside the home as Melody went inside. She has never been heard from again.

The following morning, after Melody failed to show up for work at the Dairy Queen in Seminole, Oklahoma, her mother went to the Jones home to check on her. Melody's husband, 20-year-old Paul Richard Jones, was found stabbed to death inside the residence. A photograph of Paul is posted below this case summary. He had been killed sometime during the night. Melody was missing, but all her belongings, including her purse and eyeglasses, were still there, and the couple's car was parked in the driveway. There were no indications that a domestic dispute had occurred.

An extensive search of the area turned up no sign of Melody. Her family believes she was abducted by whoever murdered Paul, and police agree that this is the likely scenario. Paul's murder was never solved and no suspects have ever been identified in his death or Melody's presumed kidnapping.

Above: Paul Richard Jones