The person at the center of this case
Kristy Leigh Yates
Cold Case · Open
29 years waiting · since 1997
KRISTY LEIGH YATES
Justice for Kristy Leigh Yates — the trail went cold in 1997, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
🎯
suspect
Lead #1Who was seen with Kristy at or near the Hot Springs Mall on April 25, 1997?
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witness
Lead #2Were there any witnesses to Kristy's abduction or movements after leaving the mall?
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evidence
Lead #3What physical evidence was recovered at the discovery site that could identify the perpetrator?
On April 26, 1997, 15-year-old Kristy Leigh Yates was brutally murdered in northern Garland County, Arkansas, just one day after being seen at the Hot Springs Mall. Her body was discovered in the area, but the identity of her killer remains unknown nearly three decades later. The FBI believes the person or persons responsible may still reside in Arkansas and is offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
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More leads to consider
Beyond the top three above — each detail below could be the thread that pulls this case open.
💡
clue
Lead #4The FBI believes the killer may still reside in Arkansas—has anyone with knowledge of this crime come forward?
⏰
timeline
Lead #5What happened during the approximately 24 hours between Kristy's last sighting and the discovery of her body?
Have information about any of these leads?
Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
Source Narrative
Murder Victim April 26, 1997 Hot Springs, Arkansas The Federal Bureau of Investigation in Little Rock, Arkansas, is seeking information regarding the death of Kristy Leigh Yates. On April 26, 1997, 15-year-old Kristy was brutally murdered, and her body was discovered in northern Garland County, Arkansas.
Kristy was last seen at the Hot Springs Mall on April 25, 1997. Investigators believe the individual(s) responsible for Kristy’s death may reside in Arkansas.
Timeline of Events
👁️
1997-04-25
Last Seen at Hot Springs Mall
Kristy Leigh Yates was last seen at the Hot Springs Mall on April 25, 1997
🔍
1997-04-26
Body Discovered
On April 26, 1997, Kristy's body was discovered in northern Garland County, Arkansas. She had been brutally murdered.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:April 25, 1997
Last Updated:October 22, 2026
Up to $25,000 Reward
For information leading to the resolution of this case
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Case Information
Incident:April 25, 1997
Last Updated:October 22, 2026
Up to $25,000 Reward
For information leading to the resolution of this case