A Texas woman kidnapped 51 years ago may have been possibly spotted by a tipster, according to reports.
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children stated Thursday that a tipster said they saw Melissa Highsmith in the Daniel Island area of South Carolina. Live 5 News reports that investigators are now looking into the tip.
In 1971, Highsmith was abducted in Texas, after someone who claimed to be a babysitter answered an ad placed by Highsmith’s mother, who was searching for a sitter. NCMEC spokesperson, Patti Davis, said Highland’s mother was separated at the time and working as a restaurant waitress.
Police said a female answered the mother’s ad and initially agreed to meet up at a restaurant, but failed to show. Then, a month later, the same woman contacted Highsmith’s mother and pleaded for the job, adding that she had a big yard and experience taking care of children.
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Highsmith’s mother ended up hiring the woman, according to investigators. The woman later picked Highland up from the mother’s roommate while the mother was working. The roommate reportedly said the woman was dressed nicely and wearing white gloves.
After taking Highsmith, the woman never returned.
Anyone with any information about Highsmith, or if you think you’ve seen her, contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 800-THE-LOST.
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[Featured image via NCMEC]
