Melissa Highsmith, left, is reunited along with her household, together with her father, Jeff Highsmith, on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022, in Fort Value, Texas. Victoria Highsmith, newbeginningsftworth.org
Melissa Highsmith, left, is reunited along with her mom, Alta Apantenco, in Fort Value, Texas on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022. Victoria Highsmith, newbeginningsftworth.org
Melissa Highsmith, poses for a selfie with sister Victoria Highsmith after they had been reunited with one another in Fort Value, Texas, on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022. Victoria Highsmith, newbeginningsftworth.org
After 5 many years, one of many oldest lacking individual instances has been solved. Melissa Highsmith discovered her household by means of a DNA match on the ancestry service 23andMe, the Highsmith household introduced on Sunday.
“Our discovering Melissa was purely due to DNA, not due to any police/FBI involvement, podcast involvement, and even our household’s personal non-public investigations or speculations. DNA WINS THIS SEARCH!” Sharon Rose Highsmith, Melissa’s sister, wrote on Fb.
Melissa Highsmith was 22 months previous in August 1971 when she was allegedly kidnapped from her residence in Fort Value, Texas, by a lady her mom employed as a babysitter, per CNN.
On the time of Highsmith’s disappearance, her mom, Alta Apantenco, was separated from her associate, Jeffrie Highsmith. Apantenco moved to Forth Value, Texas, as a single mom and commenced working as a waitress. She positioned an advert within the newspaper on the lookout for somebody to observe over daughter whereas she waited tables.
Melissa Highsmith, left, is reunited along with her mom, Alta Apantenco, in Fort Value, Texas on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022.
Victoria Highsmith, newbeginningsftworth.org
She employed Ruth Johnson, who picked up the toddler from Apantenco’s roommate, who described the babysitter as seeming “good” and “dressed to impress” in white gloves, a bonnet and sun shades, per the New York Put up.
The girl by no means returned with Highsmith, and nobody was ever in a position to attain her. Apantenco referred to as the police when her daughter was taken, however for half a century, no robust leads or proof was ever discovered.
Nonetheless, a DNA take a look at from 23andMe related Jeffrie Highsmith to Melissa Highsmith’s kids. The household instantly reached out to her on Fb, and at first, she thought it was a rip-off.
“My father texted me on messenger and he advised me, ‘You recognize, I’ve been on the lookout for my daughter for 51 years,’” mentioned Melissa Highsmith, per CBS Information. “The person who raised me, I requested her, ‘Is there something it is advisable to inform me?’ and it was confirmed that she knew that I used to be child Melissa in order that simply made it actual.”
Based on CBS Information, Melissa Highsmith by no means knew she had been kidnapped. She was raised beneath the identify Melanie Walden, and was discovered nonetheless dwelling in Forth Value.
“I didn’t really feel beloved as a baby. It was abusive, and I ran away at 15 years previous. I went to the streets. I did what I needed to do to get by. ... I labored the streets,” Highsmith mentioned, per ABC affiliate WFAA.
To this point, no info has been launched in regards to the kidnapper, however Highsmith believes the lady who raised her to be the identical one that took her from her mom’s Fort Value house in 1971, in accordance with WFAA.
Highsmith, now 53, is lastly attending to know her household.
“I’m simply elated, I can’t describe my emotions. I’m so joyful to see my daughter that I didn’t suppose I might ever see her once more,” Apantenco advised WFAA.
Melissa Highsmith, poses for a selfie with sister Victoria Highsmith after they had been reunited with one another in Fort Value, Texas, on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022.
Victoria Highsmith, newbeginningsftworth.org