Missing Since: 1997-05-31 Location: Winton, California
Vanessa was last seen leaving her family’s residence on Winton Way in rural Winton, California at approximately 7:00 p.m. on May 31, 1997. She was planning to take her usual walk through the neighborhood at the time. She usually went with her mother, but this time she went alone. She has never been heard from again. Her family notified police when she did not return by dark. Vanessa’s walking stick was discovered along the side of Mercedes Avenue in Winton shortly after she failed to return home that evening. The location was along Vanessa’s normal route and was approximately 200 yards east of her residence. There was no sign of her at the scene. She left her purse behind; it contained her savings. She also left a cherished watch at her home. Vanessa does not have a history of running away and is described as being close to her family members. She belonged to a Mennonite church at the time of her disappearance. Authorities do not believe she left of her own accord. Her case remains unsolved. Investigating Agency Merced County Sheriff’s Department 209-385-7444 209-385-7551 Source Information The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children America’s Most Wanted Merced County Sheriff’s Department Vanished Children’s Alliance Vanessa D. Smith Has Vanished California Attorney General’s Office Child CyberSearch Child Protection Education Of America The Doe Network KFSN-TV The Polly Klaas Foundation Updated 7 times since October 12, 2004. Last updated January 8, 2011; age-progression updated.