Ep 17. Off the Beaten Path (Spartanburg, SC)

Off the Beaten Path is the seventeenth episode of the third season of Cold Justice, a true-crime documentary series that delves into unsolved murder cases in different parts of the United States. In this episode, the Cold Justice team travels to Spartanburg, South Carolina, to investigate the murder of a young woman named Melissa Henderson, whose body was found in a wooded area off a rural route.

Melissa Henderson was a 24-year-old aspiring model who had moved to Spartanburg from Tennessee to pursue her dream. In October 2001, she disappeared after leaving her job at a local restaurant. Her car was found abandoned in a Walmart parking lot, but there was no sign of her. Three weeks later, her partially clothed body was discovered in the woods by hunters. She had been strangled to death.

The investigation into Melissa's murder had gone cold for several years, until a DNA match in 2010 linked the crime to a man named Donnie Martin. Martin was already in prison for another violent crime, and he eventually confessed to killing Melissa. However, the confession was deemed unreliable, and Martin later recanted his statement.

Cold Justice's Kelly Siegler and Yolanda McClary are brought in to re-examine the case and help the local police uncover new evidence that could lead to a conviction. The team interviews Melissa's family and friends, as well as law enforcement officials who had worked on the case.

Through their investigation, the Cold Justice team learns that Melissa had been involved in a tumultuous relationship with a man named Bobby Joe Holcombe. Holcombe had a history of violence and had been abusive towards Melissa in the past. The team also discovers a possible motive for the murder: Melissa had received a large sum of money from a modeling job, and it had gone missing just before she disappeared.

As they delve deeper into the case, the Cold Justice team encounters several obstacles, including uncooperative witnesses, missing evidence, and conflicting statements. However, they remain focused on their goal of finding the truth and bringing Melissa's killer to justice.

Off the Beaten Path is a gripping episode that highlights the complex and challenging nature of investigating cold cases. The Cold Justice team brings their expertise and tenacity to Spartanburg, as they work tirelessly to uncover new leads and bring closure to Melissa's family and friends. The episode is a must-watch for fans of true-crime shows, as well as anyone interested in the criminal justice system and the pursuit of justice.