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Case Description
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Vanessa Dawn Smith, a 15-year-old girl from Winton, California, disappeared on May 31, 1997. She was last seen leaving her home around 7:00 p.m. for her usual evening walk. Typically, Vanessa took these walks with her mother, but on this occasion, she went alone. Vanessa did not return home, and when darkness fell, her family contacted the authorities. Her walking stick, which she used regularly, was found along Mercedes Avenue, just 200 yards from her home. However, there were no other signs of ...Read More
Last Seen: May 31, 1997
Victim Details

Jun 15, 2009

Nov 16, 2017

Vanessa

Smith

42

15

66 inches

130 lbs

White / Caucasian

Female

May 31, 1997

Winton

California

Merced County

161

25790

Merced County Sheriff's Office

Merced

California

,

9715625

Merced County Sheriff's Office

8209

Blond/Strawberry

Blue

Blue

No

11/13/2025


Area Last Seen: