Oxford Eagle, December 22, 2002

"Scream mask" found in Avent Park
Is this the mask of a real life killer?

By GEORGIA FINCH
Eagle Staff Writer

A mask like the one found in Avent Park

The Yoknapatawpha County Sheriff's Department released a statement Saturday regarding the December 20, 2002, discovery of a mask in Avent Park woods. Investigators believe the mask may be related to the November 4, 2002, shooting in Avent Park, in which Atlanta, Georgia, resident Wenzel Hitzig was killed and Oxonian Arlene Melton was injured. Hitzig and Melton were taking photographs for a computer game Hitzig was producing when Hitzig was shot from behind and Melton was shot at close range on the park's main trail. Hitzig died at the scene from his injuries.

Following information provided by Oxonian twins Peter and Kevin Morris about the sighting of a speeding car on the Park Drive boundary area of Avent Park at the time of the murder, detectives conducted a search from the visible tire marks on the road back to the location of the murder scene. The mask was found in dense bushes approximately 10 feet from the park boundary.

Sheriff's Public Information Officer Elizabeth Jones said the mask was potentially significant because of the statement given by shooting victim Arlene Melton, in which she referred to the assailant wearing a mask like the one from the popular film Scream.

"At the moment, it is being tested to determine whether any trace evidence is present that may assist in the identification and arrest of the perpetrator." said Jones. "The mask has been outside in the elements since early November. It remains to be seen if this has affected any forensic evidence it may provide, if it is, in fact, related to the Avent Park shooting." Jones added.

Sources close to the investigation have told the Eagle that recent developments could mean an arrest in the case is imminent.