HS police continue investigation into woman’s 2013 homicide

Five years ago this week Katie Marie Lavender was found murdered in her apartment and Hot Springs police and her family are still hoping for justice as the investigation into her death continues.

Lavender, 21, was found deceased in her apartment at 515 Higdon Ferry Road on March 19, 2013, around 7 p.m., and after her body was sent to the state crime lab in Little Rock, it was determined her death was a homicide.

Police Officer 1st Class Joey Williams said the department has exhausted all leads in the case, but hopes to generate new leads through recent news exposure and information posted through the department’s Facebook page on the anniversary of Lavender’s death.

The last information given about the homicide back in 2013 involved a white four-door sedan belonging to a

possible person of interest police believe Lavender may have received a ride from earlier that day, reportedly in the area of Oaklawn Street and Central Avenue.

Steven Lavender, the victim’s brother, said Wednesday he was surprised to see the case resurface.

“It feels like it happened so long ago that I had kind of lost hope of getting any kind of resolution on it. I’m happy to hear that they’re still looking into it,” Lavender said.

He said he hopes a fresh set of eyes on the case will help.

“Being in the situation doesn’t make it any easier to wrap your head around,” he said. “Closure would be good, though; no matter how late it comes.”

Detective Mark Fallis has been assigned to the case, which Lavender believes could lend a new perspective on the case.

“Maybe Fallis will piece together something that previous detectives didn’t,” Lavender said.

Anyone with possible information on the case should contact Fallis at 501-321-6789, ext. 6742 or the HSPD’s 24-hour, anonymous hotline at 501-321-6742.