Lori Ann Mealer Pennell Identified in DeSoto County Cold Case

After almost four decades, the identity of a victim in a cold case in DeSoto County has finally been revealed. The woman, who was found dead on U.S. 78 in Olive Branch on Jan. 24, 1985, has been identified as Lori Ann Mealer Pennell, the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Department announced on Tuesday.

The cause of death was determined to be strangulation, marking a tragic end to Pennell’s life. The case remained unsolved for years until Evidence Clerk and Crime Scene Technician Amber Edlin decided to reopen it in 2023. Edlin delved into possible familial connections to uncover the victim’s true identity.

In a significant breakthrough, Edlin received a lead on March 1 from Othram, a Houston-based company that specialises in using forensics technology to identify remains and solve cold cases. Othram confirmed the victim’s identity as Pennell, bringing closure to a long-standing mystery.

The Sheriff’s Department informed Pennell’s sole living relative, her brother in California, about the breakthrough. While the victim has been identified, the investigation into her death is still ongoing.

As more information becomes available, this story will be updated accordingly. Jacob Wilt, a reporter for The Commercial Appeal, can be reached at jacob.wilt@commercialappeal.com.