Marilyn Joi Base

Date Found: April 19, 1987

Location: Muskogee County, Oklahoma

Investigating Agency: Tulsa Police Department

(918)586-1357

Marilyn Joi Base, 22, was found murdered in Muskogee County on April 19, 1987.

Marilyn was last seen on April 9, 1987, around 10:00 pm, leaving her Tulsa apartment to visit the laundry room of the apartment building. She left in her vehicle and was barefoot at the time. Although she and her husband were estranged, her boyfriend reported that when she didn’t return home after an hour, he went to check on her. He found her clothes still in the machines and her vehicle parked outside the laundry room with the keys in the ignition and the laundry basket still in the front seat. It appeared that Marilyn never made it inside the laundry room. No witnesses to her abduction were ever found.

On April 19th, after receiving an anonymous tip, authorities discovered Marilyn’s body off Highway 10 on Braggs Mountain in Muskogee County. She was found naked and badly decomposed, having been strangled with a ligature. Her body was located in a ravine about 55 feet from the road, making it hidden from passing traffic. Indicating it had most likely been thrown from the road. Authorities believe the anonymous caller who reported her body was not involved in the crime.

Despite the passage of time, no one has ever been charged with Marilyn’s abduction and murder. She was dearly loved by her family and friends, who remember her for her love of animals, singing, and her artistic talents. Marilyn was known for being incredibly trusting. If you have any information regarding the murder of Marilyn Joi Base, please contact the Tulsa Police Department at 918-586-1357. You can also submit a tip anonymously to your local law enforcement agency.