Melissa Alaniz Missing Person Case

Melissa Alaniz, a 12-year-old girl from El Paso, Texas, disappeared on March 7, 1987. She was last seen when she left her home in northeast El Paso to walk to a nearby convenience store on Rushing Drive, where she planned to play video games. She was wearing a black Iron Maiden t-shirt, black and white checkered jeans, and white sneakers. Despite initial speculation that Melissa might have run away due to a previous incident where she left home for two days, authorities quickly ruled out this possibility in her March disappearance, suspecting foul play.

Melissa's case is linked to a broader series of disappearances in El Paso in 1987, where multiple young women, including girls in their teens, went missing. Many of these victims were later found murdered and buried in the desert. Authorities have connected these disappearances to David Leonard Wood, a convicted serial killer responsible for at least six murders in the area during that time. Although Melissa’s body has never been found, she knew at least one of the other victims, and her case remains unsolved.

Wood was sentenced to death in 1993 but continues to appeal his conviction. He has not been formally charged in connection with Melissa’s disappearance, but authorities remain uncertain about his involvement. Despite extensive investigations, Melissa's case, like those of some other victims, remains unresolved, and her family continues to seek closure after decades of unanswered questions.
Last Seen: Mar 7, 1987

Melissa Alaniz - The Charley Project

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Melissa Alaniz | International Missing Persons Wiki - Fandom

Missing Person / NamUs #MP2782

Melissa Alaniz, 12 Missing since... - The Forgotten Cases - Facebook

Murdered, missing women tied to serial killer David Leonard Wood

Victims of the 1987 Desert Deaths - El Paso Times