On September 29, 2023, firefighters responding to a grass fire in an upscale Austin suburb made a disturbing discovery. They came upon a woman’s body ablaze by the roadside near Mesa Drive and Cat Mountain Drive at around 5 a.m. 

The individual was later identified as Melissa Davis, aged 33. 

Davis had earned her master’s degree from the University of North Texas. She was widely recognized for her passion for delving into diverse cultures and adventuring in nature. Most of these excursions included the company of her pet dog, Dudley. Unfortunately, her life was cut short in an unanticipated and violent manner.

At the scene, investigators located several items of interest: a lighter, the discernible scent of a flammable substance, and a butcher knife which is believed to be connected to the incident. 

An autopsy report confirmed a harrowing detail: Davis had been set ablaze while she was still alive. 

Additionally, two personal items belonging to Davis were noted as missing: her phone and her 2016 blue Toyota 4Runner. From the information provided by her family, Davis’s last known plan had been to visit an Apple store. 

The Austin Police Department is currently treating this incident as a homicide and have sought a warrant for her phone records in hopes of gaining further insight into the events. They are actively urging the community to assist in locating her absent vehicle, believing it to be a crucial element in this perplexing investigation.