Madeline Midge Teresa Ponds was 17 when she vanished from PJ’s One-Stop in Columbus, Mississippi, on November 20, 1986. She was working alone; her mother dropped off dinner about 9 p.m. and left. Less than five minutes later a customer found the store unattended. Madeline’s purse, keys and car were left behind and roughly $600 was missing from the register.

Investigators treated the case as an abduction because it was uncharacteristic for Madeline to leave without belongings or notifying anyone. She was a responsible high school senior planning to join the military after graduation. Over the years searches were conducted, including a well behind the store based on local tips, but no substantial evidence or leads have emerged.

Anyone who knew Madeline, worked at PJ’s One-Stop, or has information about that night is asked to come forward.