Sacramento County, CA — A Tennessee man has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with a 2010 missing persons case that has haunted Sacramento County for more than a decade.
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Jonathan Simpson was taken into custody at his Maryville, Tennessee residence on November 12, 2025, marking a significant development in the disappearance of Lynda Haynie, who was reported missing in July 2010.
From Missing Person to Homicide Investigation
Haynie’s disappearance was initially investigated by the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office Missing Persons Bureau after multiple acquaintances reported her missing 15 years ago. Despite extensive efforts, she was never located, and the case eventually went cold.
The investigation took a dramatic turn in January 2025 when Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Detectives obtained new information that shifted the case from a missing persons investigation to a homicide probe.
Multi-State Investigation Leads to Arrest
Following the new leads, detectives identified Simpson as one of the individuals involved in Haynie’s disappearance. Working in coordination with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office in Tennessee, Sacramento County detectives executed a search warrant at Simpson’s residence in Maryville.
Simpson was subsequently arrested on charges of murder (California Penal Code 187) and criminal conspiracy (PC 182). He was booked into the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office without incident before being extradited to California, where he remains in custody at the Sacramento County Main Jail.
The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office publicly thanked the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance, noting that the Tennessee agency “played an integral part in the investigation on multiple occasions.”
Investigation Continues: Additional Suspects Sought
Authorities have indicated that Simpson is not the only person involved in Haynie’s disappearance. The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Bureau is actively investigating additional suspects who were directly connected to the case.
Officials are urging anyone with information about Haynie’s disappearance to come forward. Tips can be submitted through multiple channels:
- Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office: (916) 874-5115
- Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers: (916) 443-HELP
- Online at www.sacsheriff.com
- Anonymous tip line: (916) 874-TIPS (8477)
This case serves as a reminder that law enforcement agencies continue to pursue justice in cold cases, and that new information—even years later—can reignite investigations and bring closure to families waiting for answers.
This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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