Missing St. Francois County Woman Found Deceased in Shannon County

(Shannon County) A woman from St. Francois County, who was reported missing, almost a month ago, has been found deceased in another county.

A news release from the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Leadington Police Department announced on Friday the discovery of human remains, identified as 32-year-old Melinda Louise Wilkinson of Leadington.

Wilkinson’s remains were found in a remote area of Shannon County.

Her family reported her missing on May 7th and the Leadington Police Department requested the assistance of the highway patrol in the search.

During the course of the investigation into Wilkinson’s whereabouts, investigators learned she could be in Shannon County.

On Tuesday, May 30th, Wilkinson’s abandoned vehicle was located at the Rocky Falls area of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways in Shannon County.

Members of the highway patrol, Leadington police, Federal Park Services, the Shannon County Sheriff’s Department and the Archway Dog Rescue Team conducted an extensive search of the area, which spanned several days.

Then on Friday, the search team reported finding Wilkinson’s body.

It was in a remote area adjacent to the scenic riverways grounds.

Circumstances surrounding Wilkinson’s death are still under investigation.

However, the news release says no foul play is suspected.