Michelle Nicholaou was 22 when she was last seen in December 1988 in Holyoke, Massachusetts. She had been living with her common-law husband, Michael Nicholaou, a Vietnam War veteran, and family members say his behavior was controlling and that Michelle’s personality changed after they got together.

Shortly before her disappearance Michelle briefly left Michael with their two children but returned after he located them. Her family later found the home abandoned yet fully prepared for Christmas. Michelle and the children were never located and her family’s repeated efforts to find them failed.

Michael gave varying accounts over the years, alternately saying Michelle ran off with a drug dealer or suggesting she was dead. He later moved between states with the children and in 2005 killed his second wife and stepdaughter before taking his own life. Authorities consider him a prime suspect in Michelle’s disappearance, but Michelle’s body has never been found and the case remains unsolved.

If anyone knew Michelle, her family, or has information about her whereabouts in late 1988, please share what can help investigators.