In the autumn of 2020, the community of Louisville, Mississippi, was shaken by the discovery of the body of 32-year-old Jarvis Watkins Eichelberger. On the afternoon of Thursday, November 19, 2020, a group of hunters stumbled upon a gruesome scene in a wooded area off Baremore Street. Their dogs led them to a mound of pine straw from which a pair of feet were protruding.
This led to the discovery of Eichelberger's body.
The Louisville Police Department, under the direction of then-Chief Sean Holdiness, immediately launched a homicide investigation. Investigators at the scene noted suspicious markings on Eichelberger's body and what appeared to be a single gunshot wound to the back of his head. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation was called in to assist with the case. An autopsy later confirmed that Eichelberger's death was a homicide. He was reportedly last seen alive on the evening of Wednesday, November 18, 2020.
In the early stages of the investigation, law enforcement identified and questioned a person of interest. However, no arrests were made in connection with the murder. The case remains unsolved, and authorities have continued to appeal to the public for any information that might lead to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for Eichelberger's death. A cash reward was offered through Winston County Crime Stoppers for information leading to an arrest. Jarvis Eichelberger was remembered by his family, including his parents, son, sister, and brother. His funeral service was held on December 5, 2020, with his burial at the Louisville Memorial Cemetery.
