Gone without a trace; girl missing 26 years from Merced County

WINTON, Calif. (FOX26) — The Merced County Sheriff's Office is asking for help locating a girl that went missing 26 years ago.

Vanessa Dawn Smith left her home in Winton to go for a walk around 7:00 p.m. on May 31, 1997. She never returned.

Wednesday marked the 26th anniversary of her disappearance.

The search for Vanessa remains ongoing, and her family, friends, and the authorities are desperate for any information that could help solve this long-standing investigation.

Vanessa was 15 years old when she disappeared, and any information related to her case could be of utmost importance.

If you have any information, please contact the Merced County Sheriff's Office Investigations Bureau at (209) 385.7472.