On September 29, 2023, firefighters responding to a grass fire in an upscale Austin suburb made a horrrifying discovery. They found a woman’s body engulfed in flames by the roadside near Mesa Drive and Cat Mountain Drive around 5 a.m.
The victim was identified as Melissa Davis, 33.
Davis, who held a master’s degree from the University of North Texas, was known for her love of exploring different cultures and the great outdoors, often accompanied by her dog Dudley. Her life, however, met a violent end under mysterious circumstances.
Investigators found evidence at the scene — a lighter, a strong odor of accelerant, and a butcher knife believed to be used in the attack.
An autopsy revealed she was set on fire while still alive.
Davis’s phone and her 2016 blue Toyota 4Runner are missing. According to her family, her last known plan was a visit to an Apple store.
The Austin Police Department is investigating Davis’s death as a homicide, securing a warrant for her cell phone records to uncover more details. They’ve appealed to the public for help in finding her missing vehicle, a potential key piece in resolving this enigmatic case.
