Speaking of Rachel, I have a few questions. There isn't much information out there about her case, but I read through what is available and the community comments. And I wonder if the stepdad's car that was in garage was ever searched? The trunk theory is viable, due to the temps and location, it would have been an ideal holding spot until the ground or river thawed.

And then speaking of the river, if she was dumped in river, she can be anywhere down stream. The river did flood that year as well so that could've carried objects down further.

Also one last question, what happened to that non running car when they moved? Did they junk it? Or take it with them? If they took it with them, and my theory is correct, she would no longer be in Illinois, she'd be somewhere between Bolingbrook and tenn.

These are questions not only based on community theory, but actual environmental factors from that time period of her disappearance.

So these aren't just random questions/speculations or theories as I was rebuffed when asking a cold case group that is focusing on her case.

There is an answer out there, if the case was reopened fully and all evidence gone over. I believe the case could be solved.

But the folks working it or as I was called sluething or whatnot, need to think outside of the box. Not just focus on that particular day, but the months leading up to it. This case among others in the areas I lived, has always struck with me. And I will continue searching for the answers.

Your asking reasonable questions, and none of them sound “out there”. Looking at vehicle access, storage, disposal timing, weather, flooding, and what happened to property after a move are all standard lines of thinking in a case like this. In a disappearance where the known timeline is thin and the environmental conditions matter so much, those details could absolutely be important.

The garage vehicle question is especially fair. If a car was accessible, people are naturally going to wonder whether it was searched thoroughly and, if so, when and how. The same goes for the broken down vehicle. Even if it couldn't be driven at the time, what happened to it later could matter a lot. If it was sold, junked, towed, repaired, or moved out of state, that'd be the kind of follow-up that could either eliminate a theory or make it more important.

Your point about the river and flooding also makes sense. Water changes recovery possibilities dramatically, and flood conditions can make it a bigger area where evidence or remains could end up. That is not wild speculation, that is just pointing out how the environment can affect a case.

I also think you make a strong point that investigators should not only focus on the exact day Rachel vanished, but also the weeks and months before. In many cases, the lead-up tells you more than the disappearance itself. Prior behavior, household relationships, access to vehicles, statements made over time, and any changes right after the disappearance can all matter.

At the same time, it is worth being careful about stating theories as facts. There is a difference between saying “this should be checked” and saying “this is what happened.” Your post stays on the right side of that by framing these as questions grounded in facts at the time.

Overall, I think your comment adds something useful to the discussion. Cold cases do need people willing to look at overlooked angles, and asking whether all the avenues were fully examined is part of that. The key is keeping the discussion focused on real questions, documented timelines, and evidence that may still be re-examined.

Thank you, I have never been one to speculate about a person's disappearance.

Every case I take interest in, I look at all factors, not just the day of.

Weather is a huge factor in evidence recovery, and to be dismissed by the person who runs the cold case page, stating my theories and speculations aren't wanted. Is a bit upsetting. This girl went missing two years after I moved from Bolingbrook. We were a year apart in school.

I lived in Bolingbrook during the early 90s, I have seen things, no kid should've seen. But when Rachel went missing, I remember sitting in the living room in westmont and my heart dropped. I've never forgot about her, or my own time In Bolingbrook.

I only have theories, or hypothesis if you will. Rachel is out there somewhere, and I will continue looking for her amongst others, as long as I'm able to walk this planet.

Maybe I take these things personal, maybe it's because I was raised by a cop. Who instilled from a young age to pay attention to detail, to see what others miss. And most importantly always find the truth no matter what that may be or what may happen due to it.

Please do not give up hope on bringing Rachel home. She is out there somewhere waiting to be found. Do let her memory fade.

Rachel Marie Mellon-Skemp, 13, was home sick with a sore throat in Bolingbrook, Illinois, on a cold January day in 1996 when she disappeared. Her stepfather reported seeing her go to her bedroom to nap at about 2:30 p.m.; he left to walk the family dog and did not check on her when he returned. Rachel’s mother returned around 5:00 p.m. and discovered Rachel was gone. There were no signs of forced entry or a struggle. Rachel’s purse, coat, and other winter clothing remained in the house; missing from her bed were a blue blanket and pillows.

She was described as Asian, about five feet tall, 70 to 75 pounds, with black shoulder-length hair, hazel eyes, a small mole on the upper left side of her lip, and pierced ears. At last known, she was wearing yellow sweatpants, a pink top, and red house slippers. Investigators subpoenaed Rachel’s mother and stepfather before a grand jury in 2000 and collected blood, hair, and saliva from the stepfather, but no charges were filed and no one has been publicly named a suspect. The case remains an active missing person investigation.

If anyone knew Rachel or was in Bolingbrook that January afternoon, can you share what you remember?