June 10, 2016 - (Update) - DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Department Press Release - Sheriff Rodney Arbuckle regrets to inform the public that the body located earlier today, June 10, 2016, in the Logansport, LA area has been tentatively identified as that of 21 year-old Maranda Whitton. Whitton was reported missing on June 9, 2016. Following an investigation into Whitton’s last known location, detectives were in the area searching when they located a body, today, June 10, 2016, in a small pond.
The body was found partially submerged in water. A person of interest was identified and he was brought into the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office for questioning. Following questioning, the subject, identified as Jarrod Earl Johnson (W/M – DOB: 07/22/1982), of Logansport, LA, was arrested and booked into the DeSoto Parish Detention Center for the charge of Second Degree Murder. The investigation is still on-going.
June 9, 2016 - Crystal Berg, the aunt of Maranda Leann Whitton, has reported Maranda missing in DeSoto Parish and is seeking to find her whereabouts and know that she is fine.
Maranda Leann Whitton, age 21, 4 foot 11 inches tall, medium brown to blonde hair, hazel eyes, about 115lbs.
Last seen on Old Mansfield Road walking to her cousins. She never made it there. This was late Monday night June 6th.
If you know the whereabouts of Maranda, please contact local law enforcement - Shelby County Sheriff's Department 936-598-5601 or DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office 318-872-3956.
