Authorities confirmed missing Arkansas woman Jessica Paige Kemp is dead, igniting a firestorm of questions and concerns about how she died, how the case was handled, and how her remains were found.
The 32-year-old Arkansas woman, whose remains were positively identified by the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory on June 18, 2025, was missing for over a month.
Arkansas Search and Rescue confirmed on social media, “[Kemp’s] fiance was given a tip from a passersby stating they saw a bra near the location and he went out to verify.”
Search and rescue added, “Upon arrival he discovered her bra and a pair of her pants and noticed a foul odor. He called law enforcement who verified not far from the location of the garments was a body in a decomposing stage.”
“I love you so very much, my sweet Paige”
On June 18, 2025, a poignant post from Sandy Kemp, Kemp’s mother, confirmed the devastating news: “I just spoke with the Greene County coroner. He confirmed what we already knew. I love you so very much, my sweet Paige. Fly high and watch over all of us.”
But a significant point of contention in Kemp’s case revolves around a 911 call she made on May 5, 2025, the day she was last seen. According to an update from the Greene County Sheriff, while camping, Kemp contacted dispatch to report “something or someone under her car.”
Upon a deputy’s arrival, it was determined that nothing was under or in her vehicle. The deputy, who was Crisis Intervention trained, learned during their conversation that Kemp had recently stopped taking prescription medications for mental health.
The Sheriff’s Department stated that at the time, she did not meet the criteria for involuntary custody and advised the deputy she would follow up with her physician. The body cam footage was never released.
“Shame on the police officer”
The coroner called mom to confirm.
— Rose (@901Lulu) June 18, 2025
Jessica Paige Kemp’s body has been recovered in Greene County, Arkansas. Completely devastating.#jessicapaigekemp pic.twitter.com/Z1JHlb4SIM
This initial encounter has fueled considerable public debate and frustration, with social media questioning the adequacy of the police response. A Facebook comment highlighted this sentiment, stating, “Shame on the police officer that dismissed her concerns due to her mental health issues. I hope he/she are fired for misconduct and their certification is revoked.”
Such comments reflect a deep-seated public concern over how mental health issues may have influenced the handling of the case.
Further questions arose from social media users regarding suspicious circumstances. One comment said, “A passerby” helped discover Kemp’s remains, questioning, “Were they in a car? And happened to spot a bra? So many unanswered questions justice for paige!! why didn’t they call police?”
Similarly, others raised alarm about another unconfirmed incident: “The person that an officer found rambling,” — presumably searching — “thru Paige’s car is certainly suspect.” No official reports confirmed this happened.
But according to the post, “He called her by the name Jessica, obviously by looking thru her items, and not knowing her personally. Was he not confident she wouldn’t return to discover him rambling thru her things? Obviously so.”
This suggests a pre-disappearance incident involving an unknown individual and Kemp’s vehicle, which, if not thoroughly investigated, could be a critical missing piece of the puzzle.
The search and lingering questions
Kemp was not reported missing by her family until May 14, 2025, nine days after her last contact with the deputy. Her vehicle and personal belongings were found at the campsite. The Greene County Sheriff’s Department reported dedicating over 200 man-hours to the search, employing drones, K-9 units, boats, and extensive foot searches.
Despite these efforts, official statements from the Sheriff’s Department reiterated that there were “no signs of foul play at the scene.”
However, Jessica’s family and many in the community continue to believe foul play was involved. Sandy Kemp, on a GoFundMe page titled “Justice for Jessica Paige Kemp,” expressed her belief that “dna testing must be performed before GCSO announces it. I know it was her. We found a part of her earring they left behind. Please help us fight for her. Don’t let her death be in vain.”
The GoFundMe was set up to raise funds for a reward for information regarding Jessica’s disappearance.
While law enforcement continues its investigation with assistance from the Arkansas State Police, the public, fueled by social media discussions, remains eager for a full and transparent accounting of what truly happened.
