In the quiet town of Paragould, Arkansas, the life of 47-year-old Melena Price, also known as Melana Faye McMillon, was brought to a tragic and abrupt end on the late Friday night of August 10, 2018. A female, she was fatally shot inside her home on the north side of the city, a place that should have been her sanctuary. The violent act sent ripples of shock and grief through the community, leaving friends and family to mourn the sudden loss of a woman described as a "true 'Wonder Woman'".
Melena was a beloved mother to her two children, C.J. and Hannah, and her life was deeply intertwined with their activities. She was a passionate and dedicated volunteer for the Paragould Ram Pride Band, where her children were active members. Known for her ever-present smile, she faced life's challenges with a grace that left a lasting impression on those who knew her. Her sudden death was a profound loss to her family, which included her parents, Jim and Mona McMillon, her sister, and a grandchild.
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, the Paragould Police Department took a man into custody in connection with Melena's death. While authorities did not immediately release the names of the victim or the suspect, it was later reported that an Arkansas man had been accused of fatally shooting his wife during an argument. Subsequently, a judge found that there was probable cause to formally charge a Paragould man with murder in the death of Melena Price.
The community rallied around Melena's grieving family, offering support and sharing fond memories of a woman who had touched so many lives with her kindness and willingness to help others. A GoFundMe campaign was established by her daughter to help with the unexpected funeral expenses, a testament to the community's desire to support the family in their time of immense sorrow. The investigation into her death continued as the legal process against the suspect moved forward.
