Melissa Hinako Braden, a biracial child of Asian and Caucasian descent, was last seen on March 16, 2006, in Los Angeles, California, when she was only 11 months old. Melissa was abducted by her non-custodial mother, Ryoko Uchiyama, amidst a custody dispute with Melissa's father, Patrick Braden. At the time of the abduction, Uchiyama defied a court order that required her to stay in the United States and surrendered her passport. Instead, she fled to Japan with Melissa.
Ryoko Uchiyama, a Japanese national, took Melissa without Patrick's consent, and an FBI warrant was issued for her arrest in May 2006. Authorities believe that Uchiyama and Melissa are living in Japan, possibly with Uchiyama’s parents. Melissa has several distinctive birthmarks, including a reddish one on the back of her neck and dark marks on her right shoulder and lower back. She may also use her middle name, Hinako, or the nickname Hina.
Despite efforts by law enforcement, Melissa’s case remains unsolved, and her exact whereabouts in Japan are unknown. The FBI and the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office are continuing the investigation and urge anyone with information to come forward.Last Seen: Mar 16, 2006
