The 1980s saw the heartbreaking disappearances of several children from the Houston area, leaving families and communities desperate for answers. Despite investigations, these five cases remain unsolved, leaving the families in a state of uncertainty.
However, advanced technology and forensic artists at the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children have created artist’s renderings of what these children may look like now, giving their families hope for answers.
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Here are their stories:
Michael Ray Mayfield
Michael Ray Mayfield, who went missing on January 10, 1985, in Houston, Harris County, Texas, was 3′0″ tall, weighed 75 lbs, had black hair, brown eyes, a burn scar on his right wrist, and stuttered.
Michael and his sister Pamela were last seen walking home from Betsy Ross Elementary School.
Witnesses reported seeing them playing in a local park and getting into a green car.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Houston Police Department at 832-394-1872.
Pamela Denise Mayfield
Pamela Denise Mayfield was last seen on January 10, 1985, in Houston, Texas, while walking home from school with her brother Michael.
She was 2′9″ tall, weighed 50 lbs, had brown hair, brown eyes, and both of her ears were pierced.
Neither child has been seen or heard from since that day. Anyone with information is asked to call the Houston Police Department at 832-394-1872.
Charles Edward Melendez
Charles Edward Melendez was last seen on September 1, 1982, in Houston, Harris County, Texas.
He was 5′2″ tall, weighed 120 lbs, had brown, wavy hair about 4 inches long, and brown eyes.
Charles has not been seen or heard from since that day. Anyone with information is asked to call the Houston Police Department at 832-394-1872.
Theresa Vernelle Jones
Theresa Vernelle Jones, 17, went missing on September 1, 1980, in Alvin, Brazoria County, Texas.
Theresa, who was 5′5″ - 5′6″ tall, weighed 110 - 130 lbs, had light reddish-brown hair, brown eyes, and a tattoo of a small rose on the back of her right shoulder, was supposed to meet her sister in Houston but never arrived.
She was driving a green Chevy Chevelle that has also never been located. Anyone with information is asked to call the Alvin Police Department at 281-388-4370.
Michelle Doherty Thomas
Michelle Doherty Thomas went missing on October 5, 1985, in Alta Loma, an unincorporated area that became part of the city of Santa Fe in 1978 in Galveston County.
Michelle was 5′1″ - 5′2″ tall, weighed 85 lbs, had brown hair, green eyes, a scar on her neck, and very prominent freckles.
She was last seen leaving her home in Santa Fe to meet friends and go to a Galveston Island nightclub but never arrived.
She was reported missing two days later, and investigators suspect foul play due to her involvement as a police informant.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Galveston County Sheriff’s Department at 409-766-2300.
Do you have a loved one missing from the Houston area? Email hgalvan@kprc.com to be featured in Missing in Houston.