Dana Stidham: Documentary, Car, Age
The name Dana Stidham is one that has continued to echo through time, especially among true crime communities, residents of Arkansas, and those who have followed long-unsolved cases in America. At just 18 years old, Dana vanished under mysterious circumstances in July 1989 while running a simple errand in rural Arkansas. Her disappearance shocked the community of Bella Vista and eventually gained national attention. Decades later, the case remains unsolved, though it continues to inspire documentaries, investigative efforts, and renewed calls for justice.
This comprehensive, SEO-optimized, and original long-form article offers an in-depth exploration of Dana Stidham: documentary, car, age, providing verified details, case background, public records, and insights into what’s known—and not known—about the young woman whose life was tragically cut short. Our aim is to present a reliable, helpful, and substantial resource for researchers, true crime followers, and anyone interested in uncovering the truth behind this enduring mystery.
Quick Bio Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dana Lynn Stidham |
| Date of Birth | June 29, 1971 |
| Age at Time of Disappearance | 18 years old |
| Disappearance Date | July 25, 1989 |
| Birthplace | Benton County, Arkansas, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 ft 2 in (157 cm) |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | Light brown |
| Last Seen Driving | 1984 Dodge Omni |
| Current Status | Deceased (body found September 1990) |
| Parents | Ronald and Judy Stidham |
| Known For | Subject of an unsolved murder case |
Early Life and Background
Dana Lynn Stidham was born on June 29, 1971, in Benton County, Arkansas. She was the daughter of Ronald and Judy Stidham, a well-respected couple in the community of Bella Vista. Dana was known as a bright, kind, and responsible teenager. At the time of her disappearance, she had just graduated from high school and was preparing for college.
Those who knew Dana described her as an honor student with a close-knit group of friends and a strong family bond. Her future looked promising, full of opportunity. Tragically, all of that was taken away in a matter of hours in the summer of 1989.
Education
Dana had recently graduated from Gravette High School in Arkansas. She was reportedly planning to begin college in the fall, although she had not yet finalized her educational path. Her academic record reflected a conscientious and motivated student, and friends often remembered her dreams of working in a field that would allow her to help others.
Age and Physical Appearance
At the time of her disappearance in July 1989, Dana Stidham was 18 years old.
Physical Characteristics:
- Height: 5 feet 2 inches (157 cm)
- Weight: Approximately 115 lbs
- Hair: Light brown, shoulder-length
- Eyes: Blue
- Distinguishing Features: Soft facial features, kind expression
Dana’s youthful appearance and friendly demeanor were part of what made her disappearance so shocking. She was considered a safe, low-risk individual, with no ties to drugs, criminal activity, or troubled relationships.
Her Father
Dana’s father, Ronald Stidham, was a well-known local in Benton County. Throughout the investigation and media attention, he became an advocate for justice in his daughter’s case. He remained actively involved in any leads and cooperated with law enforcement as well as media personnel looking to shed light on Dana’s story.
Following her disappearance, Ronald and his family experienced what many parents in unsolved crime cases endure—a painful and prolonged wait for answers.
Her Mother
Judy Stidham, Dana’s mother, has also been publicly vocal about her daughter’s case. She worked closely with the community during early search efforts and was devastated when Dana’s body was discovered more than a year later. Interviews with Judy reflect the emotional toll the tragedy took on her and the family’s struggle with unresolved grief.
Both parents have consistently supported re-examining evidence and reopening the case when new investigative methods became available, such as DNA testing.
Children
Dana Stidham did not have children. She was only 18 years old at the time of her disappearance and had not begun building an adult life that would include parenthood or career. Her death tragically ended all the life chapters she never got to write.
Who Is Dana Stidham?
Dana Stidham was a bright, compassionate teenager on the brink of adulthood. While she lived a short life, her story has endured for decades due to the unusual and unsettling circumstances of her disappearance and death. She was the kind of person who left a mark not by fame, but by her kindness, sense of responsibility, and the love she shared with her family and friends.
Today, Dana is remembered as:
- A victim of a tragic, still-unsolved murder
- A symbol of justice deferred in Arkansas cold cases
- A beloved daughter, friend, and community member
The Disappearance and The Car
The events surrounding Dana’s disappearance began on July 25, 1989, when she left her home to run an errand—specifically to pick up her father’s prescription at a local Walmart in Bella Vista, Arkansas. She was driving a 1984 Dodge Omni, a small compact car that would become a focal point in the early investigation.
Key Timeline:
- Dana left home around 9:30 AM
- She was last seen driving her Dodge Omni around Bella Vista
- The car was found the next day—July 26, abandoned in a wooded area with the keys still in the ignition
- The interior of the car appeared undisturbed, and there were no immediate signs of struggle
Her wallet and personal belongings were missing from the car, and a witness later claimed to have seen her speaking with a man near the car the day she disappeared. Despite multiple interviews and leads, no arrests were made.
Discovery of Dana’s Body
Over a year after she went missing, on September 16, 1990, Dana’s remains were discovered by a squirrel hunter in a wooded area in Benton County. Her skeletal remains were scattered, indicating exposure to the elements and potentially animal activity.
Due to the decomposition, the medical examiner was unable to determine the exact cause of death, although homicide was ruled the manner of death. The location of the body and the handling of the scene raised further questions about the oginal investigation.
Suspect and Investigation:
Over the years, several suspects have been questioned in connection to Dana’s murder. One man in particular, William “Billy” Light, a former acquaintance of Dana’s, was repeatedly investigated. He had a criminal history and was suspected by local law enforcement, but a lack of forensic evidence meant that charges were never filed.
In 2015, renewed efforts to examine DNA evidence were initiated, though nothing conclusive has yet come from those efforts. Law enforcement remains interested in any information that could connect known suspects to the crime scene or Dana’s abandoned car.
Documentary and Media Coverage
Dana’s story has been covered in various crime media formats over the decades.
Notable Appearances:
- Cold Case Arkansas (Podcast and Documentary Series): Dana’s case was featured in a multi-part investigation that explored the original police work, autopsy limitations, and suspects.
- Unsolved Mysteries Community Forums: Dana’s case continues to be a topic of discussion in online crime-solving communities.
- YouTube Documentaries (True Crime Channels): Dana’s story has been covered in detail by several independent content creators who are bringing renewed interest to her cold case.
Despite these appearances, there has not yet been a full-length mainstream documentary or Netflix-style series, though many true crime fans believe her case warrants deeper national media attention.
Current Status of the Case
As of 2025, Dana Stidham’s murder remains unsolved. The case is classified as a cold case, though local police have stated that they remain open to new leads and are willing to use modern forensic techniques to pursue justice.
What Is Needed:
- New DNA evidence or breakthroughs in forensic technology
- Witnesses who may have stayed silent or had limited information in 1989
- Public pressure to reallocate resources toward solving the case
For Dana’s family and the Benton County community, the hope for justice remains alive even after more than three decades.
Legacy and Remembering Dana
Although she lived only 18 years, Dana Stidham has left a lasting legacy. Her story has:
- Inspired local community advocacy
- Highlighted the challenges of solving cold cases
- Brought attention to the importance of early evidence preservation
Memorials have been held in her honor, and her family has kept her memory alive by speaking publicly, participating in media coverage, and working with cold case investigators.
Conclusion
Dana Stidham was a promising young woman whose life was tragically taken under mysterious and heartbreaking circumstances. At just 18 years old, she became the center of one of Arkansas’s most confounding unsolved murder cases.
From the details surrounding her abandoned car, to the slow-moving investigation, and the renewed hope through documentary coverage, Dana’s story is one that continues to haunt those familiar with the case. Her family has never stopped seeking justice, and her story serves as a solemn reminder of how quickly life can be taken—and how long justice can take to catch up.
FAQ
Q: How old was Dana Stidham when she died?
A: She was 18 years old.
Q: What kind of car was Dana Stidham driving?
A: A 1984 Dodge Omni.
Q: Has Dana Stidham’s case been solved?
A: No, it remains an unsolved homicide case.
Q: Where was Dana Stidham’s body found?
A: In a wooded area in Benton County, Arkansas, over a year after her disappearance.
