Crime Solvers Central
Crime Solvers Central
302 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.

Case Description

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Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP2964) and 13 other sources
Madeline "Midge" Teresa Ponds, a 17-year-old from Columbus, Mississippi, was last seen on November 20, 1986, at PJ’s One-Stop, a convenience store where she worked. She was reportedly alone at the store that evening when her mother briefly stopped by to bring her dinner around 9 p.m. Less than five minutes after her mother left, a customer entered the store and found it unattended. Madeline was missing, and approximately $600 was stolen from the register, but her personal belongings, including her purse, keys, and car, were left behind. Her sudden disappearance led investigators to believe foul play may have been involved, as it was uncharacteristic of Madeline to leave without her belongings or notifying someone of her whereabouts.

Madeline was described as a responsible high school senior who had plans to join the military after graduation. Her case has remained unsolved for decades, and despite several investigative efforts, including the search of a well behind the store years later, no substantial evidence or leads have emerged. Authorities have treated her case as an abduction, though there have been few significant developments over the years. The initial investigation raised concerns about a lack of resources to thoroughly search for clues at the time of her disappearance, with some believing her body may have been hidden on or near the store's property.

Though various tips and theories have surfaced, including a well search based on local rumors, Madeline's case remains one of the many unsolved missing person cases from the area, with both Mississippi and Alabama authorities continuing to investigate.

Last Seen: Nov 20, 1986

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 — Lauderdale, Mississippi
UP4753 • Found Jun 14, 1997
View case
Sex ✓Female
Age 100%Est. 25–35 vs 17 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 84%68 mi away, same state
TimingFound 11 years after last seen
Height 84%5'3" vs 5'1"
Weight 82%125 lb vs 105 lb
Hair 50%Brown vs Blond

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.