On May 31, 1997, 15-year-old Vanessa Smith was last seen leaving her family’s residence for her evening walk on Mercedes Ave. in Winton.

Vanessa Smith was carrying her walking stick at the time of her disappearance. Smith has never been heard or seen again. Her family notified police when she did not return by dark. According to detectives, they found her walking stick approximately 200 yards East of Mercedes Ave. Detectives believe Vanessa Smith was most likely taken by someone she knew.

DESCRIPTION OF VANESSA SMITH:

Missing Since: May 31, 1997 from Winton, California
Classification: Endangered Missing
Date Of Birth: December 26, 1981
Age: 15 years old
Height and Weight: 5’6, 130 pounds

Distinguishing Characteristics: Caucasian female. Strawberry-blonde hair, blue eyes. Smith has a large birthmark on her right arm which extends from her shoulder to her elbow. She has a fair, freckled complexion and a scar on her left ear. Smith has Duane’s Syndrome in her right eye; as a result, the eye drifts toward the inside.