PANOLA COUNTY, Miss. — The family of a murdered Panola County teenager is pleading for answers in the new year.
Someone lit Jessica Chambers on fire along a country road off Highway 51 almost four weeks ago.
Several state and federal agencies are investigating her murder, but there have not been any arrests yet.
Lisa Chambers, Jessica’s mother, told WREG Wednesday she plans to stay in Courtland in 2015.
Chambers said she believes people in the community know what happened to her daughter, and she wants them to come forward with information.
“Please, please go talk. Tell what you know. Anything, just anything,” Chambers said.
Chambers said she recently visited the place where her daughter was murdered for the first time.
A memorial of flowers, balloons, and other items continues to grow.
Chambers has visited several times since then.
“I feel really close to her when I’m there. So, yeah, I’ve been at night,” Chambers said.
Chambers said she initially bought flowers for a memorial when she ordered her daughter’s funeral flowers.
However, she said it took her some time to prepare herself to go.
She said the place her daughter was killed is very quiet, and she believes somebody definitely heard something the night of the murder.
At last check, District Attorney John Champion told WREG the reward for information is currently about $18,000.
Chambers’ family also launched a Go Fund Me account to contribute to the reward.
There has been more than $1,200 raised so far.
Champion said investigators are waiting for subpoenas and lab results in order to move forward.
The D.A. said anyone with information should call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-729-2169.
People may also contact the Panola County Sheriff’s Office.
