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Yvonne Belcher
Missing from: Green Cove Springs, Florida
Last seen: December 22, 2000
Age at disappearance: 25
Height: 5’0″ to 5’2″
Weight: 100 to 125 pounds
Hair Color: Blonde/Strawberry
Eye Color: Blue
Distinguishing Characteristics: Scars, Marks, Tattoos: Caucasian female. Tattoo of a dagger with a blood drop on upper right breast. Heart tattoo on right ankle. Cross-shaped scar on one of her upper arms and another scar on her right breast.
Details of Disappearance: Yvonne was last seen in Green Cove Springs, Florida on December 22, 2000. She and her husband, Jesse A. Owens (nicknamed “Andy”) resided with his mother on Highland Avenue. The couple argued during the early morning hours and police were summoned to the house to end the dispute. Owens told police that he saw Yvonne walk down Highland Avenue at approximately 2:30 am. The temperatures were at the freezing mark during the time.
One of Yvonne’s friends told investigators that he gave her a ride to an undisclosed residence, several blocks away, from Vermont Street shortly after 2:30 am. He said he waited several minutes for Yvonne to return to his car before departing from the house. Another friend reported seeing her walking along Vermont Street towards State Road 16 around daybreak. Yvonne has never been heard from again.
Owens reported Yvonne as a missing person two days after her initial disappearance. He stated that his wife had a history of leaving their home for several days after arguments. Owens cooperated with the investigation into Yvonne’s disappearance and was not considered a suspect at the time.
Since the initial investigation, there have been several leads and tips called into the Police Department. Over the years, multiple interviews have been conducted; based on information developed from these interviews, multiple locations have been processed for evidentiary value.
Investigators are actively working on examining all evidence gathered over the years and continue to evaluate information, new and old. If you or anyone that you know has any information regarding the disappearance of Yvonne Belcher, please contact Green Cove Springs Police Department at 904-297-7300.
Melinda Holder
In January of 1989, Melinda Joyce Holder stepped outside the back door of her mother's home in Green Cove Springs to speak with two unknown individuals and did not return. As Law Enforcement looked for Holder it was reported that the two individuals were known to Holder and she had left the city with them.
No missing person investigation was completed at the request of Holders family.
By June of 1989, Holder still had not returned home and a missing person’s investigation was opened by the Green Cove Springs Police Department. Multiple leads were investigated and exhausted in the disappearance of Holder.
On December 10, 1989, officers responded to 404 Harrison St in Green Cove Springs in reference to a house fire. Upon arriving, the residence was fully engulfed.
On December 11, 1989, the Green Cove Springs Police Department received a call from the State Fire Marshall requesting their response to the residence that had been on fire the day before. Officers were met on the scene by the Assistant Fire Chief and the State Fire Marshal. They were told that while the State Fire Marshall was performing their investigation human remains were found.
Due to the remains being severely burned, it was difficult at the time to identify the remains. A facial sketch was done and released to the press in 1990. Multiple tips had been received about the identity of the individual that was found. However, all leads were investigated and exhausted with negative results.
Months after the fire the State Fire Marshal completed their investigation into the house fire. The fire was determined to be caused by an accelerant and deemed an Arson.
For years, attempts were made to identify the remains of the individual found in the residence to no avail.
In 2019, DNA was taken from Holder’s children and sent to the University of North Texas for analysis. Through Mitochondrial DNA testing, it was determined that the remains found in the ashes of the house fire were that of Melinda Holder.
To date, the circumstances surrounding the disappearance and death of Melinda Joyce Holder are unknown. Investigators with the Green Cove Springs Criminal Investigations Unit will continue to investigate until definitive results are found.
If you or anyone you know has any information regarding the disappearance and death of Melinda Holder please contact the Green Cove Springs Police Department. If you would like to remain fully anonymous contact First Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS (8477) or dial **TIPS (star star 8477) on your mobile phone.
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