On Nov. 6, 1996, Jody Hemphill was found stabbed to death inside the Mountain Edge Tapes & CD store, located at 1669 W. White Mountain Blvd., in Lakeside. The Pinetop-Lakeside Police Department has reviewed this cold case numerous times since 1996 to develop new leads and evidence. In a recent review, new evidence was obtained and analyzed, leading to the arrest of 45-year-old Whiteriver resident Romeo Massey Jr. The Pinetop-Lakeside Police Department believes an additional person of interest is involved in this case that is not in custody. The investigation is ongoing, and the department continues to ask the community for assistance in this case. If anyone has information relating to this case, please contact Detective Bunch at (928) 368-8800 or the WETIP anonymous Hotline at 1-800-782-7463.
