In 1971, the American city of Fort Worth in Texas was struck by tragedy, when one-year-old Melissa Highsmith was kidnapped from her babysitter.
Since then no one has seen her, until now. More than half a century after she disappeared without a trace, she is now reunited with her family, she writes The Guardian.
Found dead in holiday paradise
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It has been 51 years, in 1971, since Melissa’s mother, Alta Apantenco, placed an ad in a newspaper looking for a babysitter. Since she was a single mother, she needed someone to take care of her daughter while she was at work. Mora hired one of the women who expressed interest in the job, without meeting her in person.
He then allegedly kidnapped Melissa and never returned her. The family immediately reported her missing and the police launched an extensive search, to no avail. But the family never gave up hope and celebrated her birthday every single year.
MISSING: Melissa Highsmith was reported missing in 1971. Photo: Texas Police
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However, in September of this year, Melissa’s family received an anonymous tip that she was in Charleston, Southern California, nearly 2,000 kilometers from the family home. Using a DNA test, as well as looking at her birthmarks and date of birth, the family were able to identify her without the help of the police or other agencies, said a statement from the family, according to The Guardian.
Found brutally murdered
Gathered: – Delighted
On Saturday, Melissa reunited with her mom, dad, and two of her four siblings at a service in Fort Worth.
– I couldn’t stop crying. I’m overjoyed and still trying to convey that we’ve found her, Melissa’s sister Victoria Garner says in the statement.
Sharon Highsmith, another of Melissa’s sisters, reacts to the police handling of the case.
GUILT: Melissa’s mother lived with guilt, grief, and accusations that she killed her daughter. Photo: private
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– Our family has suffered due to the mishandling of this case by several agencies. It was our private search for Melissa, including a DNA test, that yielded results, she says.
She also extends extra thanks to her mother, who, in addition to being wracked with guilt and grief, has lived with the accusation of murdering her daughter.
He’s made a shocking discovery in the house of horrors
– My mother did her best with the resources she had. She couldn’t risk being fired, so she trusted the woman who promised to take care of her child. I am thankful that she now comes clean. Right now we just want to get to know Melissa, welcome her into the family and make up for 50 years of lost time, she adds.
It is not known where Melissa has been all these years and how she has been. It is also unknown if she grew up with the babysitter who kidnapped her, or what will happen to her.
