5 children disappeared in the 1980s, cases still unsolved

In the 1980s, several children from the Houston area went missing, leaving families and communities in despair. Despite investigations, these five cases remain unsolved, leaving families in limbo.

However, cutting-edge technology and forensic artists at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children have created artistic renderings of what these children might look like today, giving their families hope for answers.

Here are their stories:

Michael Ray Mayfield

Michael Ray Mayfield, who disappeared on January 10, 1985 in Houston, Harris County, Texas, was 3 feet tall, weighed 75 pounds, had black hair, brown eyes, a burn scar on his right wrist, and stuttered.

Michael and his sister Pamela were last seen walking home from Betsy Ross Elementary School.

Witnesses reported seeing them playing in a local park and getting into a green car.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Houston Police Department at 832-394-1872.

Pamela Denise Mayfield

Pamela Denise Mayfield was last seen on January 10, 1985, in Houston, Texas, walking home from school with her brother Michael.

She was 2 feet 9 inches tall, weighed 50 pounds, had brown hair, brown eyes and both of her ears were pierced.

Since that day, neither child has been seen or heard from. Anyone with information is asked to call the Houston Police Department at 832-394-1872.

Charles Edward Melendez

Charles Edward Melendez was last seen on September 1, 1982 in Houston, Harris County, Texas.

He was 1.57 m tall, weighed 54 kg, had wavy brown hair about 10 cm long and brown eyes.

Charles has not been seen or heard from since that day. Anyone with information is asked to call the Houston Police Department at 832-394-1872.

Therese Vernelle Jones

Theresa Vernelle Jones, 17, disappeared on September 1, 1980, in Alvin, Brazoria County, Texas.

Theresa, who was 5 feet 5 inches to 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighed between 110 and 130 pounds, had light reddish brown hair, brown eyes and a tattoo of a small rose on the back of her right shoulder. She was supposed to meet her sister in Houston but never arrived.

She was driving a green Chevrolet Chevelle that has never been found. Anyone with information is asked to call the Alvin Police Department at 281-388-4370.

Michelle Doherty Thomas

Michelle Doherty Thomas disappeared on October 5, 1985, in Alta Loma, an unincorporated area that became part of the city of Santa Fe in 1978 in Galveston County.

Michelle was between 5’1″ and 5’2″, weighed 85 pounds, had brown hair, green eyes, a scar on her neck and very prominent freckles.

She was last seen leaving her home in Santa Fe to meet friends and go to a nightclub on Galveston Island, but never arrived.

She was reported missing two days later and investigators suspect foul play due to her involvement as a police informant.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Galveston County Sheriff’s Department at 409-766-2300.

Is a loved one missing in the Houston area? [email protected] to be featured in Missing in Houston.