Michelle Jean Barnett, an 18-year-old mother, has been missing since May 30, 1994. In the late spring of 1994, Barnett moved from her family's home in Ontario, California, to Palm Springs, California, accompanied by her three-year-old son and his 29-year-old father. Roughly a month after the move, on May 30, she spoke with her family by phone, telling them she intended to return to Ontario soon. That was the last time her family ever heard from her. At the time of her disappearance, Michelle was described as a Caucasian female, 5'6" tall and weighing 105 pounds, with light brown hair and blue eyes. She had pierced ears and two tattoos: the name "Ricky" on one of her fingers and the name "Anthony" surrounded by flowers on her shoulder.
Two weeks following their last conversation, Barnett's mother received a disturbing and anonymous phone call from an individual who claimed her daughter was in danger and needed help to leave Palm Springs. This prompted her mother to contact the police. The situation grew more alarming in May 1995 when another woman called Barnett's mother with a grim story. The caller alleged that her own younger brother had confessed to an older brother in August or September of 1994 that he had killed Michelle. When the older brother threatened to report the confession to the police, the younger brother allegedly killed him as well. The man was later convicted of his brother's murder and sentenced to 29 years to life in prison.
Barnett's family believes she was a victim of foul play. Nine months after Michelle vanished, the man with whom she had moved to Palm Springs, Angelo Carretero, killed one of his brothers. Her mother suspects this homicide is connected to her daughter's disappearance. While authorities have not confirmed the information, a family member has stated a belief that Michelle was murdered by a gunshot to the head. At the time she went missing, Barnett may have been driving a 1994 blue Ford Thunderbird or a black Chevrolet Camaro with the customized license plate "LILWREN". Her case remains unsolved.
Last Seen: May 30, 1994
