207 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.
Case Description
Any updates on this case?
In the summer of 1977, a male park ranger named Opal James became a tragic figure in a crime spree that shocked Arkansas. His death was not a singular event but rather the grim conclusion to a violent rampage by two escaped convicts, Paul Ruiz and Earl Van Denton. The duo had broken out of an Oklahoma prison and their path of terror led them into Logan County, Arkansas.
On June 29, 1977, Ruiz and Van Denton's desperation for a getaway vehicle led to the murder of town marshal Marvin Ritch ...Read More
On June 29, 1977, Ruiz and Van Denton's desperation for a getaway vehicle led to the murder of town marshal Marvin Ritch ...Read More
Links to Additional Sources (2)
See any mistakes?Victim Details
Opal James
Male
Scott
AR
1977-06-29
58
Opal
James
11/13/2025
Forum Posts (2)
I've been following the case of Park Ranger Opal Lee James, and something that really sticks out to ... ...Read More
03/13/2024
03/13/2024
Does anyone else find it chilling how Ruiz and Van Denton were able to evade capture for so long aft... ...Read More
01/17/2024
01/17/2024
