Remains identified as missing woman's

Person of interest identified in killing of Barbara Parchem

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – The Medical Examiner's Office has confirmed that human remains found Tuesday in northern Flagler County are those of a 67-year-old woman who disappeared early last month.

The manner of death of Barbara Parchem was ruled a homicide by blunt force trauma.

Investigators discovered Parchem's remains Tuesday morning, shortly after beginning to search the area of West Deep Creek near Flagler Estates. Her remains were found about 18 miles from her home.

Detectives with the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office said they're continuing to seek information in the case.

Investigators said a person of interest in the case has been identified, and detectives continue to question witnesses and examine evidence.

Anyone who has information about the case is asked to call Detective Jeremy Russell at 904-209-2193 or Crime Stoppers at 888-277-TIPS (8477).

Family's hope turns to grief


As the investigation continues, Marissa Campbell can't believe her grandmother is gone. And what's even more shocking to her is that investigators suspect foul play.

"I don't know who could intentionally hurt her," Campbell said. "I don't know why for any reason they would just leave her where she was either and just let her rot there."

The 20-year-old said her grandmother was loved by everybody.

"She's going to be missed by a lot of people, and we just want her back, but obviously that's not possible," Campbell said.

Parchem was a waitress at Village Inn for more than 20 years and used to bake cookies and brownies for her customers.

"She cared about everybody," Campbell said. "All these people, even her regulars, called her Grandma. She'd tell me about all her grandkids at work, and they'd call her Mom and all that. So she was loved by a lot."

Parchem was battling cancer and still trying to cope with the sudden loss her husband of 50 years.

"I know she loved my grandpa a lot," Campbell said. "She did grieve for him a lot. So we are happy they're back together."

Campbell is still trying to understand what happened and why, but one thing is for sure, she misses her grandma.

"Just her being here, I lived here for about three and a half years, so I wake up every day and she was here," Campbell said.