In the late afternoon of a summer day in Akron, Ohio, 17-year-old Melissa Ann Collins and her infant daughter, Jasmine, were dropped off at their apartment on Westwood Avenue by Melissa's mother. Earlier that day, August 8, 1991, they had been out together, picking up studio photos of the baby. Around 7:30 p.m., the young mother and her child left their home, presumably for a short walk to a grocery store just a few blocks away. They were never seen or heard from again. The scene left behind in their apartment spoke volumes about their intentions for the evening; there were no signs of a planned departure. Melissa's purse was left in her bedroom, clean clothes were folded, and bottles of formula for Jasmine were prepared and waiting in the refrigerator. She had not taken any extra clothing, diapers, or personal items for herself or her baby. It was highly uncharacteristic for Melissa, who typically spoke with her own mother every day, to be out of contact.
The investigation into the disappearance of Melissa and Jasmine soon focused on a man named Raymond 'Sweet Pea' Smith Jr., who was staying with the woman from whom Melissa sublet her apartment. Smith was the last person known to have seen them and claimed he saw them leaving for the store that evening. Melissa had previously confided in her mother that she was afraid of Smith, stating that he had made unwanted advances toward her. Smith had a history of violence, drug use, and mental instability. Tragically, any potential information he had was lost when, six months after the mother and child vanished, he died by suicide in February 1992. He was facing serious criminal charges and reportedly did not want to return to prison. He left behind a cryptic, unfinished note that read only, 'To whom it may concern,' offering no clues to the fate of Melissa and Jasmine.
Years have passed since Melissa and Jasmine Collins disappeared, and their case remains cold, a haunting mystery for their family and the Akron community. The Akron Police Department has investigated leads over the decades, including a tip received in 1993 that the two were deceased and their bodies may have been disposed of in New York City. Despite these efforts, no trace of the young mother or her baby has ever been found. At the time she went missing, Melissa was described as a biracial teenager with brown hair and brown eyes, standing 5'3' and weighing around 120 pounds. She had a scar on her upper left arm, and her ears and nose were pierced. The disappearance of Melissa and her daughter is a story of profound loss and lingering uncertainty. A young woman and her child vanished during a routine walk to the store, leaving behind a home that looked as if they would be right back. Their absence has left a void in the lives of their loved ones who are still searching for answers.Last Seen: Aug 8, 1991
