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
