Kristy Leigh Yates, born on March 30, 1982, was a high school student in Hot Springs known for her friendly nature and tendency to make friends easily.
At the time of her disappearance, she had been skipping school and was supposed to attend Summit, an alternative school for troubled kids, on April 24, 1997.
Her father, Gordon Yates, told reporters, "Skipping school had to have consequences, he agreed, but Kristy hadn’t committed a crime, wasn’t having substance abuse issues and wasn’t an angry or violent person," painting a picture of a teenager with typical adolescent challenges, not involved in serious trouble.
The investigation began immediately after Kristy was reported missing and intensified upon the discovery of her body. The Garland County Sheriff’s Office, with support from the Arkansas State Police, conducted extensive inquiries.
However, no arrests were made, and the case eventually grew cold, leaving the community and family without answers for over two decades.
In February 2022, the Federal Bureau of Investigation took over the case, driven by the brutality of the crime, the fact it involved a child homicide, and the lack of resolution after 25 years.
The FBI announced a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect(s), believing the individual(s) responsible may still reside in Arkansas and that Kristy was likely acquainted with her killer, indicating it was not a random act.
This involvement has been a significant development, offering renewed hope for resolution.
A crucial lead in the case is the witness account from April 25, 1997, when a young woman matching Kristy’s description was seen getting into a red or maroon SUV, potentially an Expedition, driven by a white male in his late teens or early twenties.
This detail has been a focal point, though no suspects have been publicly identified. Investigators and the family believe the murder was not random, with the FBI suggesting Kristy knew her killer.
Some unofficial theories, such as involvement of local individuals, possibly high school seniors, have been mentioned, but these remain speculative and unverified, emphasizing the need for concrete evidence.
Kristy’s family, particularly her father Gordon Yates, has endured significant emotional strain.
In interviews, Gordon expressed the family’s ongoing grief, stating, "Kristy was a beautiful blond hair and blue eyed 15 year old was loved by everyone, her life was taken from us and we miss her so much...our Kristy...our angel."
He also shared, "I had kind of given up, not that I have given up on remembering Kristy, none of us have, but I had given up on it ever being solved." However, with the FBI’s renewed efforts, he noted, "now with the FBI involved, I have renewed hope that we can find out who did this to my daughter."
The FBI and Arkansas State Police continue to seek public assistance, urging anyone with information to come forward. Contact options include the Little Rock Office of the FBI at (501) 221-9100, local FBI offices, or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted online at tips.fbi.gov, offering a way for the public to help without fear of reprisal.
As of March 12, 2025, the case remains open, with the FBI actively pursuing leads. The $25,000 reward provides a significant incentive for new information, and the ongoing investigation offers a beacon of hope that, after nearly 28 years, justice may finally be served, bringing closure to Kristy’s family and the community.
