RICHLAND COUNTY, Ohio — A missing mother, a desperate family and a race against time to find 33-year-old Melinda Davis.
According to Richland County Sheriff’s Department Davis went to the home of her former boyfriend, John Henry Mack to pick up some items she left behind.
Police believe the last person Davis texted before arriving at Mack’s home was her friend Paula Littlefield. Littlefield said she was apprehensive about going to the house.
Littlefield said she missed Davis’ phone call Thursday morning, so she texted her back.
The text Littlefield received back is chilling.
“She said I’m almost to Johnny’s house, if you don’t hear from me in a few hours something may have gone wrong. I said oh my gosh, you’ve got me freaked out,” Littlefield said.
The two set up a plan for Davis to call Littlefield when she was done at the house, but Davis never called.
That's when Littlefield drove to Mack’s house.
“When I pulled onto the road, I knew saw a sheriff’s car and Melinda’s niece and I knew, I knew something was wrong,” said Littlefield.
Davis failed to show up for a scheduled breakfast date with her niece. That’s when the family called police. When Richland County Sheriff’s Deputies arrived at Mack’s house, they didn’t find Mack or Davis but said they found evidence that led to kidnapping charges against Mack.
Police, family, and friends have been searching for the mother of four since last Thursday.
“We need her home, our hearts need her home, her children need her,” said Lisa Davis, Melinda’s sister.
Melinda Davis, Mack, and her 2013 Volkswagen Jetta seemingly vanished.
The US Marshals are heading up the manhunt for Mack. Police are searching for Davis. Her family and friends passing out flyers at truck stops and rest areas.
Police believe the last person Davis spoke with was her friend Sam Cooley. He is begging for anyone and everyone to stay alert.
“He’s a truck driver, I’m a truck driver, he goes to these truck stops, truckers ain’t paying no attention. So, he can go in there with a mask, a hat, a hoodie and you wouldn’t even know if you were standing right beside him,” said Cooley.
Littlefield said Davis’ car doesn’t have a front license plate and one of the headlights isn’t working. The Ohio license plate on the car is JGZ8921.
The U.S.Marshals are offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the whereabouts of Mack. Call 1-866-4-WANTED with information. Callers can remain anonymous.
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