Petition started to keep alive case

— In effort to revive interest in the cold case and, hopefully, have someone with new information come forward, friends of Dana Stidham are launching an online petition drive to publicize the case.

According to information posted on the website, thepetitionsite.com, Dana Lenell Stidham was born March 8, 1971, and was the daughter of Lawrence and Georgia Stidham and a sister to Larry Stidham. She was a lifelong resident of Hiwasseand a graduate of Gravette High School.

On July 25, 1989, Dana left home on an errand toa nearby grocery store in Bella Vista but never returned home. Early the following morning her car was found on Hwy. 71, north of the Bella Vista Town Center. As days and weeks went by, personalitems were also found. Her body was discovered by a hunter on Sept. 17, 1989, in a remote wooded area of Bella Vista.

The website states: “Our worst fears had come true.Dana was the victim of a brutal murder. Our community and surrounding communities were inshock! Horrified and angered, we struggled with the thought of why anyone would take the life of this beautiful young girl.

“Family, friends, local industries and small businesses throughout the county helped raise $20,000 as a reward for anyone who had information that might help find her killer.

“Violent crime was newto us in this small community. But as tragedy often has in the past, it brought us together as neighbors and as friends.

“Dana was laid to rest October 29, 1989, at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. She was 18. This remains an unsolved mystery.”

According to Benton County Sheriff's Office Captain Mike Sydoriak, the sheriff's office is still following up on all leads in the case.

News, Pages 8 on 03/28/2012