NEW: Body of partially dismembered woman found at Mitchell truck stop; arrest made

March 15, 2024

PIERRE, S.D. — South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley and Mitchell law enforcement announced on Thursday that a person has been arrested in the investigation of a female that was found this week in Mitchell.

The deceased has been identified as 57 year-old Melody Fae Gooch (pictured) of Detroit, Michigan.  Her body was discovered at 10:54 p.m. Monday night at the Mitchell Interstate 90  Travel Center.

“South Dakota’s Division of Criminal Investigation and Mitchell law enforcement have been working to notify Melody’s family members, collect evidence, and analyze security videos, and we have now arrested a suspect identified as Anthony Harris,” said Attorney General Jackley. “This has been a cooperative effort between many different local and state agencies.”

Fifty year-old Anthony Harris of Detroit has been detained in Washington State. He has been charged with Second-Degree Murder and Improper Disposal.

“We are continuing to follow up on any information we receive, and the investigation is on-going,” said Attorney General Jackley.

Jackley said Gooch and Harris have no known ties to South Dakota.