Cold Case File: Benton County death of Socorro Moran-Mendoza in 1997 remains a mystery

The lingering cold case surrounding the homicide of Socorro Moran-Mendoza, a 42-year-old Hispanic woman, continues to haunt Benton County.

On February 1, 1997, Socorro's body was discovered inside a suitcase in a wooded area off Gann Ridge Road, north of Pea Ridge National Military Park. She had been strangled and beaten, leaving her family and the community in shock and sorrow.

Socorro had been reported missing in Mexico by her boyfriend, and the Arkansas State Police was requested to assist with the investigation. Despite extensive efforts, the case remains unsolved, and the killer has never been brought to justice.

.Born and raised in a tight-knit Hispanic community, Socorro was known for her warm personality and dedication to her family.

The Benton County Sheriff's Office and the Arkansas State Police continue to treat the case as an active investigation. They have followed numerous leads over the years, but the case has remained cold.

If you have any information about the death of Socorro Moran-Mendoza, please contact the Arkansas State Police Company D at (479) 365-8687 or the Benton County Sheriff's Office.

Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial in solving this case and providing peace to Socorro's loved ones.