AR AR - Kristy Leigh Yates, 15, Hot Springs, 26th Apr 1997

[janne]

Couldn't see an existing thread, on this case - apologies if I've overlooked it.

The FBI have recently joined the investigation into the 1997 murder of 15 year old Kristy Leigh Yates in Hot Springs, Arkansas, as the case approaches it's 25th anniversary, offering a significant new reward on top of that previously offered by Kristy's family.

KRISTY LEIGH YATES — FBI

Kristy was last seen at the Hot Springs Mall - April 25th 1997, apparently a day after her father last saw her. Kristy had habitually been playing truant from school, and a mall employee witnessed her in some sort of altercation with another individual.

Her body was found the next day in the Sleepy Valley area, a rural area north of Hot Springs, with law enforcement characterising her killing as both "brutal" and "extremely violent".

WATCH: ‘We’re gonna get you’

Other than a few recent articles about the FBI's fresh focus I've found scant little online.

 

[Richard]

KRISTY LEIGH YATES, age 15
Murdered April 26, 1997

If you have any information concerning this case, please contact the Little Rock Office of the FBI at (501) 221-9100.

 

[tiffkinsadder]

KRISTY LEIGH YATES | Federal Bureau of Investigation

Murder Victim April 26, 1997 Hot Springs, Arkansas

www.fbi.gov

 

[salamanderqueeftp]

bump

 

[PommyMommy]

The #FBI offers a reward of up to $25,000 for info leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the death of Kristy Leigh Yates. On April 26, 1997, the body of 15-year-old Kristy was discovered in northern Garland County, Arkansas: https://fbi.gov/wanted/seeking-info/kristy-leigh-yates

https://twitter.com/x/status/1783859271182033033

 

[Aurora90]

a mall employee witnessed her in some sort of altercation with another individual.

I wonder who that was. I'm surprised there isn't much publicly available in this case. I bet law enforcement know more than they are letting on. No comments from friends or family members. Have they been asked to keep quiet?

WATCH: ‘We’re gonna get you’

I am unable to bypass the paywall. Is there a way to read this article?

I hope there's justice for Kristy in 2026.

 

[Richard]

Kristy Leigh Yates​

Kristy Leigh Yates

AGE: 15

RACE: White

SEX: Female

DATE OF DEATH: April 26, 1997

CAUSE: Strangulation and Multiple Stab Wounds

COUNTY: Garland

CASE NUMBER: 05-873-97

Kristy Yates was last seen at the Hot Springs Mall on April 25, 1997. Her body was found on April 26, 1997 near an abandoned quarry in the 1300 block of Sleepy Valley Road.

The Arkansas State Police was requested to assist with the homicide investigation by the Garland County Sheriff’s Office. If you have any information about this case, please contact ASP Company C at (870) 777-8944.

LINK:

https://dps.arkansas.gov/law-enforcement/arkansas-state-police/divisions/criminal-investigations/cold-cases/kristy-leigh-yates/

 

[worldsokayestranger]

Do we have anything more about where she was found? And do we have any more information on the "altercation" she was spotted having?