Three weeks later, her car was found in a hospital parking lot. Some of her hair was in the trunk, but no body. James moved away shortly after Kelly disappeared.

In 1993, James was arrested for Kelly’s murder. A friend said James confessed to an argument where he shoved Kelly, causing her to hit her head and die. He claimed he put her body in the car’s trunk and dumped it. Bloodstains were found in their home, supporting this.

James’s trial was complicated. His defense suggested Kelly left on her own or had car trouble and was harmed by someone else. Jailmates testified that James said, “No body, no murder.” Coworkers said Kelly had described a previous attack by James where he tried to kill her using carbon monoxide.

Despite the suspicious circumstances, the jury found James not guilty. Some jurors later said they thought he was guilty but there wasn’t enough proof. James maintains he didn’t kill Kelly.

Kelly’s body has never been found, but police suspect foul play.