Crime Solvers Central
Crime Solvers Central
302 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.

Case Description

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Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP5308) and 13 other sources
Melinda Karen Creech, a 13-year-old from Anderson, Indiana, was last seen on September 5, 1979. She had a history of running away and was placed in the Bronnenberg Children’s Home, a juvenile detention facility, after being caught stealing motorcycles. However, when police returned two months later to question her in connection with another crime, Melinda was no longer at the facility. It remains unclear when or how she disappeared.

In the 1990s, Melinda’s mother, Shirley, told the family that a decomposed body found on the East Coast had been identified as Melinda. However, after Shirley's death in 2003, letters were discovered proving that the dental records did not match, and Melinda’s case was reopened in 2004. Her siblings have since been searching for answers, but there has been no activity on her Social Security number since her disappearance.

The exact circumstances of Melinda’s disappearance remain a mystery, with her case officially unsolved. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Madison County Sheriff's Office.

Last Seen: Sep 5, 1979

Possible Unidentified Matches (1)

Unidentified remains cases whose details are consistent with this person, ranked by how closely they compare. Fields that are unknown in either case are left out of the score.

76%Possible
Jane Doe — Indiana
UP4847 • Found Feb 22, 1984
View case
Sex ✓Female
Age 94%Est. 18–26 vs 13 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 89%51 mi away, same state
TimingFound 4 years after last seen
Height 84%5'5" vs 5'3"

These comparisons are generated automatically from public NamUs case data and are not confirmed identifications. Only DNA, dental or fingerprint comparison by investigators can confirm an identity. If you believe two cases are connected, contact the agency handling the unidentified case.