Merlene Patterson, 45, was found dead behind a Valero car wash in the 12300 block of Fondren in Houston, Texas, on December 14, 2009. A passer-by discovered her around 9:30 a.m.; she was partially nude and showed signs of asphyxiation due to neck compression. Authorities believe she may have been homeless at the time of her death.

Witnesses reported seeing Patterson with a man known only as Mississippi, who was said to frequent the area around Fondren and West Airport Boulevard, near where the body was found. The Houston Police Department Homicide Division investigated and Crime Stoppers offered a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to an arrest and indictment. The case remains unsolved and investigators continue to seek tips.

Did anyone in the Fondren or West Airport Boulevard area remember seeing Patterson or someone known as Mississippi around December 14, 2009?