Foul play suspected in death of missing South Mississippi woman, police say
The search for a Pass Christian woman who went missing Friday has ended with the discovery of her body Sunday in a wooded area near West Wittman Road in Harrison County, Pass Christian police Chief Daren Freeman said.
Freeman said police suspect foul play in the death of Joyce Gomez, 38.
“It’s an ongoing investigation,” but Freeman said he expects an arrest is going to follow as the investigation progresses.
Gomez was last seen walking with a man around 10:52 p.m. on Friday in downtown Bay St. Louis. She had been working earlier at her job at The Whiskey Bar in Pass Christian, according to friends. In addition to other relatives, Gomez is survived by her children.
A search began in the aftermath of her disappearance. On Sunday, the police chief said, Harrison County sheriff’s deputies found her dead.
Freeman commended the public and Gomez’s friends for assisting the police with information in the investigation.
“It’s a very sad situation,“ the police chief said. “We just ask for prayers for the family and friends.”
Police also thanked the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department and the Mississippi Department of Public Safety for their help.
To report information, call the Pass Christian Police Department at 228-452-3300 or call Mississippi Coast Crimestoppers at 877-785-5898,
Crimestoppers is offering a reward for information leading to an arrest.
This story was originally published April 27, 2025 at 7:52 PM.
