Shelby County Sheriff Willis Blackwell reports that on Sunday, August 27, 2017 Shelby County Sheriff's Communications Division received a call at approximately 06:42 A.M. of a body floating in the Sabine River. The call was transferred from DeSoto Parish and they had lost contact with the caller. SCSO Communications was able to regain contact with the caller. Responding from SCSO was Sheriff Blackwell, Deputy Renfro and Investigator Birdwell along with Constable Pct. 3 Cheatwood. TPWD Game Warden Austin Cryer also responded.

 

Upon arrival of SCSO personnel, the victim had gotten in the current and was traveling downstream. The victim was originally located between the US 84 bridge and Lovick's Landing.  Upon getting the victim to shore, the victim was only known as being a black female and no identification was located on her person.

 

Desoto Parish Fire/Rescue along with two Desoto Parish Deputies arrived on scene via water to provide assistance. Shortly after DeSoto Parish Sheriff Arbuckle and three investigators arrived as well. One of the deputies thought he recognized the victim as someone from Logansport. Sheriff Arbuckle took a picture of the victim and sent it for identification. The victim was later identified as Sophia Young Davis, 48 of Keatchie, Louisiana. It is believed she had been staying in the Logansport area recently.

 

The inquest was performed by Justice of the Peace Precinct 3 Margie Anderson. Davis was taken from the scene by Watson and Sons Funeral Home personnel for transport to East Texas Forensics in Tyler for an autopsy.