Who was Melissa Davis? Investigation underway as Texas woman found dead on a roadside

Authorities are investigating the horrific death of Melissa Davis, a 33-year-old Texas woman found dead after she was burned alive by the side of a road in an upscale Austin neighborhood.

According to multiple reports, on September 29, 2023, the body of an unidentified woman was found along a road near the intersection of Mesa Drive and Cat Mountain Drive, Texas, by firefighters responding to reports of a grass fire.

Earlier this week, the woman, pronounced dead at the scene, was identified as 33-year-old Melissa Davis, who was reportedly alive when she was set on fire. Police said they found a lighter, accelerants, and a butcher knife near the scene. However, KXAN reported medical examiners found no signs of trauma to the body but confirmed that the victim was burned alive.

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Melissa Davis graduated from the University of North Texas

Austin police, who have ruled Melissa Davis’ death a homicide, are reportedly searching for the suspect responsible for the horrifying crime. Police said that a family member of the victim last saw her on September 28 when Davis told them she was going to the Apple store to get her phone fixed.

However, police did not find the victim’s phone at the scene and issued a search warrant for the device, hoping that the cell phone data would help locate the suspect. Police said that Davis’ car, described as a 2016 blue Toyota 4Runner with license plate number KYV3765, was also not found at the scene.

Per her Obituary, Melissa Davis was a Kentucky native who obtained a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from the University of North Texas. She was a travel enthusiast who loved learning about different cultures. Davis’ family described the 33-year-old as a warm and loving person who deeply cared about all living creatures.

“Melissa Ann Davis was a beautiful soul with a warm and magnetic energy about her! She cared deeply for humans and animals alike and always saw the good in others - even when they did not see it themselves. She was an incredibly talented artist who explored many different mediums throughout her life such as painting, tile work, landscaping, and music.”

Shortly after obtaining a degree in Anthropology, Davis reportedly obtained a joint Master of Science degree in International Sustainable Tourism from the University of North Texas in partnership with CATIE (The Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center) in Turrialba, Costa Rica.

The degree reportedly enabled Davis to travel to the Philippines and work with the organization, creating sustainable homes. Davis' family wrote:

“She will continue to be a ray of light remembered fondly by family and friends. A private memorial will be held in the future. In lieu of flowers, the family invites the reader to consider donating to Austin Pets Alive! in memory of Melissa.”

Authorities have offered a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the case. Anyone with information about the victim’s missing car or the suspect was urged to contact APD at 512-974-TIPS.