In early 1979, a 25-year-old woman named Marion Berry Ouma was tragically shot to death near Hoover Dam in Arizona. The case remains unsolved, and Mohave County cold case detectives are now asking for the public’s help in providing any information that could help solve this decades-old mystery.
Ouma, who was originally from Dayton, Ohio, was described as a white female, 25 years old, 5-foot-5, and 106 pounds with hazel eyes and brown hair. She was last seen wearing green sweatpants and a dark blue short-sleeved blouse. Detectives are particularly interested in any details about a powder blue Chevrolet Blazer or Ford Bronco that was spotted in the area on the night of Ouma’s murder.
Further investigation revealed that Ouma had visited a bank on Fourth Street and Carson Avenue in Las Vegas a few months before her death to withdraw money from her savings account in Ohio. Additionally, she had rented an apartment at the Sierra Vista Apartments in Las Vegas but was later asked to leave due to unpaid rent.
Reporters from Dayton, Ohio, informed detectives that Ouma was the granddaughter of Loren Berry, the founder of the Yellow Pages telephone books. Berry had left $40 million to Ouma in his will, but her body remained unidentified at the time of his death. This information adds a layer of complexity to the investigation and raises questions about a potential motive for Ouma’s murder.
Detectives are now urging anyone with information about Ouma’s whereabouts between December 13, 1978, and January 3, 1979, to come forward. Despite the years that have passed, they believe that there may still be individuals who hold valuable information that could help identify suspects in this case.
If you have any information that could assist in solving this cold case, you are encouraged to contact the Special Investigations Unit at 928-753-0753 ext. 4408. Reference the case number DR#79-022 when providing information. Your help could be crucial in bringing closure to this long-standing mystery.
For any additional questions or details, you can reach out to Marvin Clemons at mclemons@reviewjournal.com. Your cooperation could make a significant difference in the quest for justice for Marion Berry Ouma and her family.
