Jessica Paige Kemp disappeared while camping in rural Arkansas. Now, Kemp’s mother, Sandy Kemp, has opened up about what she thinks happened to her daughter amid an ongoing death investigation.
After Jessica’s memorial in July, Sandy told news outlet WREG, “She didn’t get lost, my daughter didn’t get lost. I think my daughter was murdered. I know she was,” she added without providing any further detail. While Jessica was still missing, her family hired a private investigator, and Sandy assisted in the search. Speaking with WREG, Sandy also expressed her frustration with how the investigation was handled.
What happened to Jessica Paige Kemp?
Jessica, 32, vanished after making a 911 call on May 5, 2025, from a remote campsite near Lake Ashbaugh in Greene County, Arkansas. She told dispatchers someone or something was under her vehicle, prompting a visit from a sheriff’s deputy trained in crisis intervention.
Although Jessica reportedly appeared disoriented and had stopped taking mental health medication, she declined further help. A missing persons report wasn’t filed until May 14—nine days later—at her family’s request.
Search efforts were extensive, but they initially found nothing. Then, in June, Kemp’s fiancé discovered her personal belongings near a lake, leading authorities to skeletal remains later confirmed to be Jessica. The Arkansas State Crime Lab has completed an autopsy, but the cause and manner of death remain under review.
The Kemp controversy
Jessica Paige Kemp (32) was camping alone out in the middle nowhere and I’m afraid something awful has happened to her. Let me explain what I know so far.
— Rose (@901Lulu) May 28, 2025
Something happened on May 5th that caused Jessica to make a distress call to 911. An officer responded to the call. His… pic.twitter.com/EiHfIKyWdm
In the meantime, the case sparked controversy over the Greene County Sheriff’s Office’s handling of the investigation. Public concern centers on the absence of body or dash cam footage during the deputy’s interaction with Jessica—the last known contact before her disappearance—and alleged mishandling of the campsite evidence, including prematurely packing up her belongings.
Critics, including Jessica’s family, claim that deputies discouraged media attention and failed to act swiftly, leading to accusations of misconduct or a cover-up. A Change.org petition is now calling for federal oversight.
As of mid-July, local authorities, with assistance from the Arkansas State Police, continue to investigate while awaiting final autopsy findings to determine whether Jessica’s death was accidental or the result of foul play.
The Greene County Sheriff’s Office has defended its actions and provided a timeline of its investigation, stating there were no initial signs of foul play.
“In a sense it’s closure”
Though many questions remain, Jessica’s mom is glad some have found closure. The memorial, attended by friends and family, she said, offered a chance to “say goodbye for so many people.” Jessica’s mother, Sandy, added, “Of course I can’t say goodbye to her, but for a lot of people that’s what this is.”
Remembering Jessica, Sandy said, “She was smart, kind, very giving, she’d give away her last dollar. She was one of a kind, absolutely beautiful soul, absolutely beautiful.”
