UPDATED INFORMATION:
On June 13, 2017, The New York State Police responded to the area of Rt.80 and Gatehouse Road in the Town of Tully to search for the missing individuals when a Trooper discovered damage to the guard rail and a speed sign. Further investigation led to the discovery of the missing vehicle submerged in the Gatehouse Pond.
State Police SCUBA Divers from Troop’s D and C responded and assisted in the recovery of the vehicle. The bodies of 34-year-old Jamie A. Bell, 26-year-old Melissa M. Avery and 5-year-old Maryssa F. Houston were located inside the vehicle.
An autopsy is scheduled to determine the official cause of death. The investigation is continuing.
The New York State Police in Lafayette are seeking the public’s assistance in locating two women and a child from the town of Tully.
New York State Police were called to a residence on Tully Farms Road in the town of Tully after Melissa Avery was reported missing by her mother. All three individuals were supposed to drive to an unknown address on Song Lake in Preble, NY for a BBQ on June 12, 2017. The three were traveling together in a 2011 Ford Explorer, color gray with NY registration GYX-7740.
- Jamie A. Bell, age 34, is a white female, 5’ 0” tall, 140 pounds, with brown eyes and brown hair.
- Melissa M. Avery, age 26, is a white female, 5’ 0” tall, 110 pounds, with hazel eyes and brown hair.
- Maryssa F. Houston, age 5, is a biracial female, 4’ 0” tall, 37 pounds, with brown eyes and brown hair.
If anyone has information concerning the whereabouts of Jamie, Melissa or Maryssa they are asked to contact State Police Headquarters in Oneida at (315) 366-6000.