Authorities have arrested two women in connection with the alleged kidnapping and murder of Mary Elizabeth Isbell, also known as Beth Wright. Loretta Carr, 45, was apprehended by a tactical team in DeKalb County, Alabama, while Jessie Eden Kelly was arrested in Pennsylvania. The suspects are accused of pushing Isbell off a cliff in the Little River Canyon National Preserve. Isbell’s remains were discovered earlier this week after she had been reported missing since late 2021.
Loretta Carr and Jessie Eden Kelly have been charged with the murder of Mary Elizabeth Isbell, who went missing in late 2021. According to court documents, the suspects allegedly kidnapped Isbell and took her to a ledge in the Little River Canyon National Preserve, where she was pushed off a cliff to her death. Carr was arrested in DeKalb County, Alabama, while Kelly was apprehended in Pennsylvania. The investigation into Isbell’s disappearance led authorities to the national park, where her remains were found.
Isbell’s ex-husband reported her missing on December 27, 2021, after she failed to wish their teenage son a Merry Christmas. Investigators searched her home and car in DeKalb County but found no signs of Isbell. However, a tip received on June 20, 2022, led authorities to the Little River Canyon National Preserve, where human remains were discovered. The remains were later confirmed to be those of Isbell, who would have turned 39 on the same day.
Jessie Eden Kelly is currently being held in Pennsylvania, awaiting felony charges in Missouri. She also faces a detainer for the Alabama charges. Loretta Carr’s defense attorney has filed documents claiming that there is insufficient evidence to keep her in custody. However, authorities remain confident in their case. DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden expressed gratitude to law enforcement agencies in multiple states for their assistance in solving the cold case.
The arrest of Loretta Carr and Jessie Eden Kelly in connection with the alleged kidnapping and murder of Mary Elizabeth Isbell has brought some closure to the case. Isbell’s remains were discovered in the Little River Canyon National Preserve, where she was allegedly pushed off a cliff. The investigation into her disappearance and subsequent murder involved multiple states and law enforcement agencies.