FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – It’s a case that has never been solved.
Friday, May 31, 2024 makes 27 years since 15-year-old Vanessa Dawn Smith disappeared while walking near her home in Winton
The Merced County Sheriff’s Dept. hopes to solve the cold case.
It was around 7:00 at night, that Vanessa Dawn Smith left her home in Winton.
The 15-year-old girl went for a walk that night on May 31st 1997. She usually went with her mother, but this time she went alone. She has never been heard from again. Her family notified police when she did not return by dark.
Vanessa does not have a history of running away and is described as being close to her family members. She belonged to a Mennonite church at the time of her disappearance. Authorities do not believe she left of her own accord. Her case remains unsolved.
The stick, she always carried for protection, was found 200 yards east of her home on the side of Mercedes Avenue, near Winton Way.
The location was along Vanessa’s normal route and was approximately 200 yards east of her residence. There was no sign of her at the scene. She left her purse behind; it contained her savings. She also left a cherished watch at her home.
- Missing Since 05/31/1997
- Missing From Winton, California
- Classification Endangered Missing
- Sex Female
- Race White
- Date of Birth 12/26/1981 (42)
- Age 15 years old
- Height and Weight 5’6, 130 pounds
- Clothing/Jewelry Description A light blue dress with silver-colored metal buttons, a white belt, and an elastic waist; white huarache sandals with uppers of woven leather straps and flat heels; and a black head cover. Carrying a walking stick.
- Distinguishing Characteristics Caucasian female. Strawberry-blonde hair, blue eyes. Vanessa has a large birthmark on her right arm which extends from her shoulder to her elbow. She has a fair, freckled complexion and a scar on her left ear. Vanessa has Duane’s Syndrome in her right eye; as a result, the third muscle in her retina is paralyzed and the eye drifts toward the inside.
Vanessa, circa 1997; Age-progression to age 29 (circa 2010)
Now, in 2024, Vanessa would be 42 years old, but there is still no clue where she went.
If you have any information call the Merced County Sheriff’s Department.
- Merced County Sheriff’s Department
- 209-385-7444
- 209-385-7551
Listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern.
