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Missing Vanessa Dawn Smith 
Vanessa, approximately 1997; Age at the time of disappearance: -progression to Age at the time of disappearance: 29 (approximately 2010) Date reported missing : 05/31/1997 Missing location (approx) : Winton, California Missing classification : Endangered Missing Gender : Female Ethnicity : White DOB : 12/26/1981 (39) Age at the time of disappearance: 15 years old Height / Weight : 5'6, 130 pounds Description, clothing, jewerly and more : A light blue dress with silver-colored metal buttons, a white belt, and an elastic waist; white hurache sandals with uppers of woven leather straps and flat heels; and a black head cover. Carrying a walking stick. Distinguishing characteristics, birthmarks, tattoos : 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. Information on the case from local sources, may or may not be correct : Vanessa was last seen leaving her family's residence on Winton Way in rural Winton, California at approximately 7:00 p.m. on May 31, 1997. She was planning to take her usual walk through the neighborhood at the time. 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's walking stick was discovered along the side of Mercedes Avenue in Winton shortly after she failed to return home that evening. 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. 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. Other information and links : ncy Merced County Sheriff's Department 209-385-7444 209-385-7551 September 2021 updates and sources The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children America's Most Wanted Merced County Sheriff's Department Vanished Children's Alliance Vanessa D. Smith Has Vanished California Attorney General's Office Child CyberSearch Child Protection Education Of America The Doe Network KFSN-TV The Polly Klaas Foundation |