JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The remains of a body found Monday in Panola County, Miss., have been positively identified as missing Tennessee stripper Corie Duckett.
Homicide investigators from Memphis, Tenn., along with Chief Deputy Craig Sheley of the Panola County Sheriff's Office, traveled to Jacksonville Monday to interview Melissa Ferris, who is accused of killing her boyfriend on Interstate 95.
Recommended Videos
Ferris, 27, has been locked up in the Duval County jail since May 9, when she was arrested for shooting companion Jeffrey Opp, 38. After being questioned by Jacksonville authorities, Ferris told police that Duckett was dead and her body was dumped near a Mississippi highway outside Memphis.
According to authorities, Ferris gave new directions to the location of the body, which led detectives to a wooded area in Panola County. There, detectives located human skeletal remains.
The remains were brought to the Shelby County Forensic Center in Memphis, where medical examiners positively identified the body. The cause of death has not yet been determined and no charges have been filed.
Duckett had been missing from Memphis since March 17. Investigators said Ferris and Opp skipped town shortly after Duckett disappeared.
Previous Stories:
- May 12, 2005: Stripper's Body Still Missing After I-95 Shooting
- May 11, 2005: Police: Woman Had Suicide Pact With Boyfriend