Merlinda Juanita Jenkins, 57 when she was last seen in Albuquerque on December 24, 2004, remains an endangered missing person. Family reported her missing roughly six years after she disappeared; that was the first formal notification to authorities.

At the time she was thought to be homeless in Albuquerque, but later investigation indicated she had been residing primarily in Columbus, Ohio. Family accounts say Jenkins had bipolar disorder and that her daughter was unsure whether she consistently took medication. She often used variations of her name, including Melinda Jenkins, Melinda Griego, and Linda Griego, which may have complicated searches. DNA and fingerprint records exist, and the case remains listed as endangered missing with the Albuquerque Police Department handling it under their Missing Persons and Cold Case units. No verified sightings or confirmed leads since 2004 have been reported.

If anyone knew Merlinda, knew where she stayed, traveled, or used alternate names after 2004, please share what might help locate her.