Investigators have revealed an update in the gruesome 45-year-old cold case murder of a Yellow Pages heiress, including a sighting of a long-sought mystery vehicle.
Marion Berry Ouma, the granddaughter of Yellow Pages founder Loren Berry, who would inherit a $40 million fortune, was brutally murdered on January 3, 1979.
The Mohave County Sheriff’s Office in Kingman, Arizona, is desperately seeking the public’s help to solve the case that has baffled detectives for decades.
A key piece of evidence centers on a witness report of a powder blue 1976-1977 Chevrolet Blazer or Ford Bronco that was spotted near the crime scene the day after the murder.
MCSO spokesperson Lori Miller told DailyMail.com that while there are few leads on this case despite renewed attention, there are still some important updates.
Marion Berry Ouma, the granddaughter of Yellow Pages founder Loren Berry, who would inherit a $40 million fortune, was brutally murdered on January 3, 1979.
The 25-year-old’s lifeless body was discovered aboard a boat along Highway 93 near the Hoover Dam in Arizona
“A few people have reached out to owners of a powder blue Chev Blazer, but to no avail,” Miller said.
The vehicle, described as having a removable hard top, chrome push bars, all-terrain tires and a tall CB antenna, caught the witness’ attention because the front license plate was suspiciously covered with cloth.
Miller also provided an update to a neighbor they were watching, but to no avail.
‘The name of a neighbor who rented the apartment next door was found, but he turned out to be deceased.’
An autopsy later revealed the horrific extent of the attack: multiple gunshot wounds from a .38 caliber weapon had caused her death
Ouma’s grandfather, Loren Berry – the visionary founder of Yellow Pages – died in 1986, leaving behind a colossal estate worth approximately $500 million.
Ouma, who stood to inherit $40 million, was found shot to death on January 3, 1979, just months after moving to Las Vegas from Ohio.
The 25-year-old’s lifeless body was discovered aboard a barge along Highway 93 near the Hoover Dam in Arizona.
Hoover Dam security officers made the grim discovery around 9 a.m. when they found Ouma with a gunshot wound to her lower right abdomen.
An autopsy later revealed the horrific extent of the attack: multiple gunshot wounds from a .38 caliber weapon had caused her death.
Originally from Dayton, Ohio, Ouma’s life took an unexpected turn when she married in Africa and worked there for several years as a physical education teacher.
Little did she know that her return to the United States would lead to her untimely death, being murdered just months after moving to Las Vegas from Ohio.
Despite a wealth of physical evidence, including clothing fibers, hair samples and bullet fragments, the case remains unsolved
MCSO spokesperson Lori Miller told DailyMail.com that while there are few leads in this case despite renewed attention, there are still some important updates (pictured talking to KSNV)
A key piece of evidence in the case centers on a witness report of a powder blue 1976-1977 Chevrolet Blazer or Ford Bronco that was spotted near the crime scene the day after the murder.
Ouma’s grandfather, Loren Berry – the visionary founder of Yellow Pages – died in 1986, leaving behind a colossal estate worth approximately $500 million.
It is unclear why she moved to Las Vegas or what she did there. She was unemployed at the time of her death, according to documents.
Ouma’s hands were covered in blood and animal hair, possibly from a dog or cat, when she was found.
Despite a wealth of physical evidence, including clothing fibers, hair samples and bullet fragments, the case remains unsolved.
There were no signs of sexual assault or defensive wounds on Ouma’s body, and there is no indication that she was involved in drugs, prostitution or criminal activity during her brief stay in Las Vegas.
Although divorced at the time, Ouma’s husband was never a suspect in the case
It is unclear why she moved to Las Vegas or what she did there. She was unemployed at the time of her death, according to documents.
Although divorced at the time, Ouma’s husband was never a suspect in the case.
After Ouma’s death, her mother said, “I mean, no one could believe this was happening to someone like her, everyone loved her, she wouldn’t hurt a flea,” in a recording obtained by KSNV.
Ouma’s mother was heard saying, “I just want you to keep looking at it,” while the detective replied, “You bet, and I might call you every now and then if you don’t mind.”
When asked if the case could ever be solved, Miller told the newspaper, “You know, I don’t know if the case is solvable, I’m assuming they all are.”
Researchers are now urgently appealing to the public for any information.