Disappearance of Melissa Highsmith
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On August 23, 1971, 22-month old Melissa Highsmith, of Fort Worth, Texas, was abducted by a woman hired to babysit her. In November 2022, Highsmith, still living in the Fort Worth area, was identified through DNA testing, having been raised under a different name and having no knowledge she had been abducted.[1][2][3][4][5]
November 6, 1969
- Melanie Miyoko
- Melanie Walden
Melissa Highsmith | |
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| Born | Melissa Highsmith November 6, 1969 Fort Worth, Texas, U.S. |
| Other names |
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Background
Melissa Highsmith was born on November 6, 1969, to Alta Apantenco.[6]
Kidnapping
In August 1971, Melissa's mother, 22-year-old Alta Apantenco, placed a newspaper ad seeking a babysitter.[6][7] On August 23, the woman she hired picked up Melissa from Apantenco's apartment, where Apantenco's roommate handed Melissa off. The babysitter never returned Melissa.[8]
After being abducted, Melissa was raised under the name Melanie Miyoko.[9] Although unconfirmed, Highsmith believes the woman who abducted her was also the woman who raised her.[10] Highsmith said in May 2023 that she "didn't have a good life," and she ran away from home at age 15.[9][11]
Investigation
The investigation of Highsmith's disappearance went cold shortly after she was abducted.[10]
In September 2022, an anonymous tip led to an investigation of a woman named Melanie Walden in the Fort Worth area.[6][7] Highsmith's father reached out to Melanie through a private message on Facebook.[8] A 23andMe DNA test and matching birthmark confirmed the woman, who was going by the name Melanie, as the missing Melissa Highsmith.[6] Melissa also confirmed her identity after speaking to the woman who raised her.[8] According to Highsmith's family, the initial DNA investigation was initiated by the family and was conducted privately, without police,[6] but Fort Worth Police offered to conduct further DNA testing with the family if they wished.[8]
Although the criminal statute of limitations expired on Highsmith's 38th birthday, police have said they will continue the investigation to "uncover all of the available information concerning Melissa’s abduction".[8]
Aftermath
In November 2022, Melissa Highsmith reunited with her parents and two of her siblings in Fort Worth.[6] In the years after Melissa's abduction, Apantenco had four more children.[8]
In May 2023, Fort Worth Police completed their own DNA testing, further confirming Highsmith's identity.[11] That month, Highsmith legally reverted her name to Melissa, after living for decades under the name Melanie Walden.[12]