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Maebell Dawson Missing Person Case

Last seen in Dayton, Ohio on Jan 3, 1998

Victim Details

May 3, 2011

Jan 4, 2024

Maebell

Dawson

96

68

64 inches

66 inches

180 lbs

Black / African American

Female

Jan 3, 1998

Dayton

Ohio

Montgomery County

30994

Mongomery County Sheriff's Office

Dayton

Ohio

,

OCA# 98005300

Jan 5, 1998

Mongomery County Sheriff's Office

Gray or Partially Gray

Brown

Brown

Oct 11, 2026


Area Last Seen:

View Videos (2)

Kind Soul Cold Case! Where is Maebell Dawson?
The Mysterious Disappearance of Maebell Dawson

Case Description

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Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP10560) and 7 other sources
In the quiet community of Jefferson Township, Ohio, the disappearance of 68-year-old Maebell Dawson in January 1998 has left a void that time has not filled. Mrs. Dawson, a recent retiree from her housekeeping job at Miami Valley Hospital, was last seen on the evening of January 3, 1998, entering her second-floor apartment at the Martin Luther Manor Living Center on Liscum Drive around 9:30 p.m. She was reportedly wearing a tan jogging suit at the time. Concern mounted when family members were unable to reach her by January 5th. Upon checking her residence, they found her apartment door unlocked. Inside, her winter coat was draped over a chair and her purse, containing her wallet, money, and credit cards, sat on a table, yet Maebell was gone.

The initial investigation by the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office uncovered no signs of forced entry or a struggle within Mrs. Dawson's apartment, suggesting she had not been attacked there. The presence of her personal belongings, including a post-dated rent check, indicated she likely intended to return. Authorities explored various avenues, including the possibility that she may have left voluntarily, but her close-knit family and friends insisted it was entirely out of character for her to leave without informing anyone. Despite extensive searches of the surrounding areas, including the use of police dogs and helicopters, no trace of Mrs. Dawson was found. Investigators also checked her financial records, which showed no activity after her disappearance. The perplexing lack of evidence left both law enforcement and her loved ones with more questions than answers.

Over the years, the case of Maebell Dawson has remained an active investigation with the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, a haunting cold case that continues to trouble the community. Foul play is suspected in her disappearance, though the exact circumstances remain a mystery. In June 2003, five and a half years after she was last seen, Maebell Dawson was declared legally dead by her children, a painful step taken in the absence of any resolution. Tragically, both of her daughters have since passed away without ever learning what happened to their mother. The overview of this case is one of a beloved mother and grandmother who vanished from the seeming safety of her own home, leaving behind a legacy of unanswered questions and a family still hoping for closure. The investigation into her disappearance is ongoing.
Last Seen: Jan 3, 1998

Links to Additional Sources (7)

See any mistakes? Let us know!
  • Maebell Dawson - The Charley Project
  • Montgomery County Sheriff's Office Dayton Ohio - In 1998 Maebell ...
  • Missing Persons - Montgomery County Sheriff's Office
  • 3059DFOH - Maebell Dawson - Doe Network
  • In 1998... - Montgomery County Sheriff's Office Dayton Ohio
  • The Mysterious Disappearance of Maebell Dawson - YouTube
  • Maebell Dawson Dawson, circa 1998 Missing Since 01 ... - Facebook

    • Possible Unidentified Matches (1)

    Unidentified remains cases whose details are consistent with this person, ranked by how closely they compare. Fields that are unknown in either case are left out of the score.

    76%Possible
    Jane Doe — Indianapolis, Indiana - unidentified case UP79969
    Jane Doe — Indianapolis, Indiana
    UP79969 • Found Feb 20, 2021
    View case
    Sex ✓Female
    Age 100%Est. 78–92 vs 68 when missing
    Race 100%Black
    Location 74%103 mi away
    TimingFound 23 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'4" vs 5'4"–5'6"
    Weight 100%176 lb vs 180 lb
    Hair 100%Gray vs Gray

    These comparisons are generated automatically from public NamUs case data and are not confirmed identifications. Only DNA, dental or fingerprint comparison by investigators can confirm an identity. If you believe two cases are connected, contact the agency handling the unidentified case.

    Unidentified photos are blurred because many are post-mortem. Tap a photo to reveal it.

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    Forum Posts (3)

    Has anyone looked into the security at Martin Luther Manor Living Center around the time Maebell... ...Read More
    08/15/2024
    Has anyone else noticed the odd timing with Maebell Dawson's rent check? I mean, it was dated... ...Read More
    10/05/2023
    Has anyone looked into the possibility of Maebell Dawson having had an unknown medical issue that... ...Read More
    09/11/2023

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