Missing Baby Found After 51 Years: The Incredible Story of Melissa Highsmith

[@KendallRae]

There are currently some audio issues going on on KZbin’s side. I have put in a request for help. Sorry for the inconvenience!

[@amberjarriel2538]

I been thinking it was my Wi-Fi the wholeeee time! Love your podcasts and your husbands!!!

[@terridemaio2926]

No worries

[@emmarockwell7732]

It’s still a great listen! Thank you for the awesome video

[@JessiLBone]

It's messed up on my Roku tv. But fine on my phone. So weird

[@jaydynallan3715]

I thought it was just me. All good though I like to listen when I’m just about to fall asleep so don’t even watch most of the time 😂

[@naynayfaxon1698]

My sister has been missing for 39 years . Stories like this keep the hope in my heart ❣️

[@ASAPLegal]

🙏🙏

[@BlackStump172]

Have you had DNA done on Ancestry and 23 & me ?

[@windsong2875]

I will pray for you. So very sad, but there is hope!

[@phyllislindeboom2215]

My brother has been missing also for 39 years, since July 1984! Horrific!!!!!

[@monicamayer977]

I'm so sorry in both directions

[@cyan_eyed]

The decision to change her name back to her birth name really moved me. After living her entire life with another name? She must feel so whole to be with her true family.

[@thnkr0917]

It also suggests she doesn't really have any loyalty to the person who raised her.

[@CharlotteWilliams-n1z]

I know this Mother personally. She has grieved for 51 years wondering where her baby was. And the sad part was the baby had no idea she was stolen and then sold. Had a horrible home life and ran away at 15 and lived on the streets for years. But now she is happily married and so happy that she found her natural family.

[@annairwin8147]

I can’t begin to imagine this mother’s pain

[@tara7088]

❤❤❤

[@phyllislindeboom2215]

I can imagine her pain as my own mother and us lost my brother Daniel since he was 18! He disappeared in July 1984. My mother didn't do a missing persons report because she didn't want to be informed that he was gone. I filled missing person report that November. We still haven't found him. Mom passed 2013 still not knowing. Heartbreaking indeed!

[@TheAllyathome]

@@phyllislindeboom2215💔

[@angmoulton8528]

​@@phyllislindeboom2215hi Phyllis I just wrote a comment under your name on the story about Natalie on nightmare in suburbia ❤❤❤❤

[@donnamaldone265]

Imagine stealing someone's precious baby, knowing they are desperate to find them, and then not even giving the child a good life. That lady needs to be prosecuted. Even if she just purchased the baby knowing she was missing. She still needs to be held responsible.

[@kellyeaton9994]

Yes, both the kidnapper and the woman who raised Melissa need to be prosecuted! So evil!

[@bold58]

The person she purchased the baby from also needs to be prosecuted !

[@lilliebrown6320]

IF.... IF she actually purchased the baby. She could be lying about that part. She really could have had a hand in this kidnapping!

[@alisonmercer5946]

IT MAKES perfect sense that a baby thief would not be good to that baby cause u gotta be a special kind of awful to steal a baby

[@Cassxowary]

wait until you hear about people buying slaves or nonhuman fellow animals or anyone forced to be a product!

[@brandizenczak2756]

Mel is my aunt (by marriage) I am so so happy she has found her happy new beginning with her biological family. When I tell you she, of anyone else I've ever ever met, deserves this happy new beginning, it's her.

[@jenniferann1969]

No doubt, how sad it must be for the rest of your family that she has had to obviously suffer all these years. for the potential stolen. My love to Melissa, and to you all

[@tracylalonde4972]

​@hazelsunman1133You and me both. I don't think I would be able to go on. I would crumble. 😢

[@rotrautmellin7543]

Jesus helped her to reunite with her birth-family . AMEN ❤❤❤

[@kathygeorgiou7687]

Were her raising parents charged for kidnapping?

[@sooky2253]

She had 11 siblings in the area and not 1 could babysit or foster?

[@duckie.thegroomer]

I was almost taken from the hospital after I was born. This woman was dressed like a nurse and she wanted to take me from my mom to "run tests" on me. But my dad told her no that I was about to be fed and he can bring me to the nurse station when I was done. He brought me up there and the real nurses were confused as to why my dad brought me up. He let them know what happened and they ended up doing a lineup of the nurses on that day and he didn't recognize her. I can't even imagine where I would've ended up if my dad didn't speak up and told her no. This was in '92

[@Roxy-Mara]

That's terrifying!!!

[@w_b_c3014]

Oh my god there is cases on this happening not sure if it was kendal that did one ona case of a nurse with this same thing about wanting to run tests etc etc , but I know for sure there was one someone did on a nurse taking the baby for tests wasn't until baby hadn't come back that the alarm was sounded but it was too late ... scary stuff

[@MeriweatherDesigns]

That’s so crazy

[@fighttheevilrobots3417]

Where was this located?

[@opienattyvlogs7930]

Thats scary I was born in 1991

[@NevadaLamb]

They bought her for $500?!! Omg 😭 my heart really goes out to Melissa for being bought into a family that didn’t even give her a good upbringing. I’m both so sad and mad for her.

[@penelopephelange]

LMAO she's only worth $500 what a loser

[@MariMotherofGoblins]

It always blows my mind when the story is some variation of, went out of my way to adopt/ (in this case steal) a baby, then neglects them.

[@tayloranderson7547]

My heart really goes out to Melissa for being brought into a family that didn't even give her a good upbringing. I'm both so sad and mad for her.

[@budgiebirdy]

Supposedly. I mean, who knows for sure. The woman who raised Melissa doesn't sound like someone of good character so anything's possible.

[@courtneypuzzo2502]

@@rosiero731 actually the 500 baby Melissa was sold for is equal to $3,600 in todays money and yeah it was a lot in the early 70s as min wage was $1.60 in those days my late paternal great grandmother was a custom drapery maker nearing the end of her career she retired in 1972 or 73 and my dad started working in a local Italian American Restaurant called Morelli's one of the first places in East Boston to Deliver food starting around Superbowl 8 in 1975

[@thelawntreader602]

It's mind boggling to me that someone would jump through all the hoops of buying and concealing a child for 50 years if they're not going to actually be a parent.

[@ivonne58270]

Exactly what i was thinking! Like just return the baby and let her live out her life with her family!

[@penelopephelange]

Isn't that hilarious? 😂 she totally deserved it

[@barbaramcmillan3835]

If the person who brought her up didn't steal her, she still knew that baby was stolen, and she knew where Melissa came from, and kept her. Otherwise, It was done for money. Maybe someone on drugs or on the streets. No-one can imagine the desperation of someone who would do that. They need to face justice.

[@Cowprintsuzie]

My thoughts exactly.

[@Uptownboo84]

@@barbaramcmillan3835 EXACTLY!!

[@Pam-bx2mm]

I hope it gave her comfort to know she had parents that loved her all these years. And her brother would not give up looking for her.

[@TaxTheChurches.]

Someone please tell me why statutes of limitation exist. Why would a criminal ever grow too old to be a criminal?

[@TropicalPlaties]

The fact that the person who raised her KNEW is absolutely disgusting. It's also disgusting that she purchased a child and still didn't give that child the best life possible! I'm so glad this was solved. I really hope this opens up the possibility to find the person who actually took her and maybe even the ring that may have more children hidden.

[@w_b_c3014]

That person prob is unlikely alive or at the very end of their life if they haven't already passed which is a shame because that person aswell as the person who purchased Melissa should be pun*shed

[@snm3815]

I agree!!!

[@amber13000]

And then to not even give her a good life! What was the point of going through all that trouble to not love and care for her. It's just mind-boggling to me.

[@lonamanlpu4379]

She knew so she should be charged and face prison

[@katyty1496]

It's infuriating! It's like this person bought a puppy off some random person and after a while got tired of it! 🤯

[@AngieCrystal]

in my opinion, the lady who bought Melissa should automatically be seen as “involved” in this case. she may not have been involved in the abduction but she bought a child & knowing all these years that Melissa was bought & sold which are crimes in itself but happy she was able to be reunited with her family!💓truly a miracle!

[@hansolohansolo]

Right!? And the fact that she BOUGHT A PERSON… literally means she participated in human trafficking. How is that not an issue being raised here??

[@snm3815]

100 percent!! She knew that she was abducted. She shouldn’t have her identity kept private and she should be investigated !

[@mumtazamiri6409]

Totally agree ! Receipt of stolen goods is a crime so how is it not an issue involving a human being ? Should be considered as Child Trafficking! The lady has some explaining to do !

[@twothousandandchew]

@@hansolohansolo you have to buy people in order to adopt 💀what’s the difference between this and adoption

[@chucklemethis3329]

How th does one even get a false identity for a child anyway? SS gave me trouble right after having one of my babies and I was just trying to secure her birth certificate. Shes fifty and her ss# was never traced to an expired number? How does that work? “Yes, SS so like i had my baby at home a year and a half ago” or was that part of the 500 deal? Refurbished babies comes with new name and ss#

[@samthelion3925]

She was abducted just to be sold on the street for a measly $500?! Her entire life was ruined for $500?!?! That's insane.

[@jazlinalarcon5134]

And to top it off she didn’t even give her a good life , poor girl

[@headfirst_forhalos]

I’m pretty sure that’s like 3k during those times but still ur right

[@laurynburkett4715]

@@headfirst_forhalos very close. $500 in 1971 is equivalent to $3,664.16 today. Crazy

[@ghfamghgam1172]

Not just her I expect her parents lives were ruined too. Atleast 3 tortured souls for 500? It’s sickening

[@tangoingthekitchen]

$500 back then was probably the equivalent of 1million today, no a defense just a thought to keep in mind

[@TimeBucks]

I felt so sorry for Melissa

[@СергейКоновальчук-й3х]

very nice

[@tapasmahato6279]

Nice post

[@christinesamo1864]

thumbs up

[@jadkam52]

Very good

[@akritidwivedistudies2521]

very good

[@safecracker80]

At 27:44, Melissa says that the woman who raised her had always known she was Baby Melissa. So this woman is guilty of a crime even if she was not the abductor. So Texas had a statute of limitations on child abduction? Crazy.

[@sherrykrause3410]

Maybe she was really the abductor.

[@judepower4425]

@@sherrykrause3410 What does that have to do with the statute of limitations?

[@elscheib]

It's amazing that she and her parents are all still alive to see the resolution of this case. The parents didn't die without ever finding their daughter like I'm sure the majority do, and she was found alive and well. Good for them.

[@krista0784]

Yes! That’s what I was thinking. I’m so glad they lived to see their daughter again and know she was okay.

[@stephm2658]

It's so sweet how Jeff, the brother, never gave up trying to find Melissa. I definitely feel like my older brother wouldn't do the same 😒

[@GloomyMarshmallow]

I agree. He didn't even know her yet he had so much love for her to go and find her!

[@BackstabberDD]

Agreed! What an incredible man, with a heart of gold. All the girls are lucky to have him as a brother.

[@penelopephelange]

He should've given up lol😂

[@junglistgrrl]

Lol at wouldn't do the same. Did you mean would've?

[@Jo-hi9oc]

@@penelopephelange?

[@stephaniemontgomery2479]

The fact that the woman who bought her knew who she was the entire time and never said a word even after she was a grown adult is so sad. I’m just happy that both her bio parents and all her siblings were alive to finally meet her after all these years. God is good…and bless everyone who was involved in bringing her home

[@MathieuLLF]

It's more than sad, it's criminal. She bought a child off the street. She should be in prison.

[@hollystiener16]

@@MathieuLLF I have said the same thing

[@lulub1433]

So True. She must be an extra special kind of evil to keep a secret like that

[@kathrynbeetham5308]

So if "God is good" why did God let this happen in the first place?

[@stephaniemontgomery2479]

@@kathrynbeetham5308 God didn’t “let” that happen. God doesn’t stop bad things from happening but He does help us get through them. Good things happen and so do bad things but we have have God by our side through every thing. He helps us through our struggles and our victories

[@Elizabeth11.11]

There should be no statue of limitations for child related crimes!

[@terramckay5636]

I agree, we need to find out how we could get it done.

[@christinajebali9201]

Exactly 💯

[@pennyduncan6861]

I don't really understand why statue of limitations exist, but I'm willing to learn.

[@lorihassett3537]

Child abuse, rape and child abduction should not have statue of limitations.

[@Cassxowary]

and it shouldn’t be just for human children either!

[@leenaalamari7914]

It’s horrible that someone can watch someone else cry for their missing child while knowing they have them. How do you do that?!

[@lovelydarkness2010]

I’m really happy the mother lived to see her daughter again. A real heart tugging story.

[@MathieuLLF]

And father and siblings.

[@JulieBurnes]

Tired must sleep m, but actually says she able to reunite m. How'd that possible.?

[@JulieBurnes]

Amazing... smile

[@JulieBurnes]

Shocking that babies sold...in usa...

[@JulieBurnes]

Great full she was able to accept she's their daughter they never gave up on!!!

[@claire2134]

The most poignant aspect of this case to me is the cycle of misfortune occuring here. Alta's mom giving her up led her to having an unstable adult life, which led in part to Melissa's abduction. Then because of the unfortunate events that occured in Melissa's life, all stemming from her kidnapping during her infancy, caused her to have to put her children up for adoption. It's absolutely incredible the chain effect that circumstances from more than half a century ago have on the present here and now.

[@lilyg8324]

Generational curses are real

[@seinfields]

So true

[@karisno7798]

Yes, family scripts are a studied social theory. So interesting! Also very common occurrence in the care system

[@kayleigh3648]

That makes me sad to hear cuz everyone in my family are all effed up to the core. I always thot I’d be the one to break the cycle, but it seems like the cycle never really gets truly broken 😭.

[@KatieBellino]

It's kind of weird how the much adoption happened within the same family.

[@mzluna313]

Even in the 70's it was definitely illegal to buy a toddler from a street peddler! The woman who kinda half assed raised her was definitely involved and should be held accountable!

[@gouriiiz]

Can we start the found series again please? I mean having that positive story once every few months is kinda nice 👌🏻

[@deboraholsen2504]

This story really touches me because I was also abandoned by my 3 month old baby’s father. I was 27 and we also had a 3 year old son. I strongly felt compelled to go back to college asap so that I could become a teacher and support us financially, as their father basically disappeared. I remember I felt so alone and it was so hard to find a good babysitter! I had tried out three babysitters and with one of them, my baby girl would cry all day. FINALLY, when my daughter was nearly two years old, I found the perfect, loving, kind, trustworthy babysitter! I was so happy!!! I was just lucky, though I had been praying for help in finding one. Even so, I had known little about the first three, and there could have been a bad outcome as there was in this story, though I did know where the babysitters lived and it was a home daycare situation. I cannot imagine the pain that Melissa’s parents went through when they lost their precious baby! I will forever be grateful that mine survived during the time I was all alone with them for many years.

[@montanalloyd7269]

It is so heartwarming listening to Jeff talk about how he feels it was his life's work to find his older sister. So sweet💕

[@lornocford6482]

The sibling bond is amazing, even for siblings never known to one of them. I think he also really wanted to eleviate his mother's pain.

[@luciemarinov129]

So happy she was finally reunited with her family. Very dedicated brother to devote himself to finding his lost sister. The evil person who bought her off the streets should be prosecuted fully, should have brought the baby to the police, gave her a horrible life, so it’s forced her to run away at 15 and live as a prostitute have to give up 3 babies for adoption, it’s a miracle she is as well mentally as she is. 😢

[@shaestewart5261]

The story is amazing! So often, when a missing child is reunited with the birth family after 30, 40 years or more, it’s bittersweet because the parents and/or older siblings have already passed. This story is special and so unique because, eve.after 51 years, Melissa’s entire immediate family is still alive and able to meet their daughter and sister!

[@Idiotbox186]

Despite the horrible things that happened to her, Melissa seems like she turned out to be such a sweet woman. So happy for all of them!

[@v.958]

She's precious! At least that's my impression from seeing the footage of her.

[@penelopephelange]

She should've stayed missing haha

[@alandrosstettina1843]

@@penelopephelange Shut your mouth.

[@gingerbreadsticks]

@@penelopephelange why?

[@penelopephelange]

@@gingerbreadsticks Cause it'd be hilarious 😂

[@lillianpharis608]

Her father and brother came to my church while in Charleston, and my family helped them get to their vigil to raise awareness and back to the airport. They were so incredibly hopeful and sweet. They were actually turned away from a local mega church and were kicked out by security for asking to pass out flyers, we were so angry for them. But sooo so excited when we heard they had been reunited!!

[@cherylpemberton1676]

Much Love and Many Blessings to You, Your Families and YOUR WONDERFUL GENEROUS CHURCH!! God really IS GOOD!!

[@BamaCyn]

IMO those mega churches are all about making the leaders of the church rich.

[@ukiealby]

So happy that the parents both lived to see what happened to Melissa 🥺

[@TJ-bn2cn]

It’s very difficult to have an opinion of a mother who is trying to work while having a child and support her child. While the farther just walks away believing his child can live off fresh air! I really feel for this mother.

[@cierragayler]

Really happy both parents are alive to see this, hurts my soul when parents pass on and don’t get a “happy ending”

[@GetSicRiCH]

*_Statute of Limitation_* → it seems unfair that a deadline could pass, while the crime is not even revealed. Like, if Melissa _just found out_ after all of these years, that she was abducted, you would think that the *LAW* would begin _when the crime is revealed._ So, Melissa’s parent who raised her after abduction, would face justice, and the time statute would begin upon the moment the crime is discovered.

[@arbitrary_raspberry]

Especially like if you have stolen something 20 years ago (like an object) that's history right?? But a baby?? You know its not normal to buy a human being! They knew her real identitity. Which means they were partaking in this abuction for years. The crime was still going on .. how can a deadline pass then? I don't understand the law sometimes.. doesn't feel like justice to me

[@chay2033]

Yep that’s the only thing I find kind of disappointing in this story . The woman who bought her should face justice…and maybe if it was the case it might have raised the chances to find the person who abducted her . This situation is a case of human trafficking. That’s a crime . Period .

[@LisaJoSchiele]

The Highsmiths hope to get the chance to challenge that law ❤️

[@dream-nz9yb]

@@chay2033 agreed, she has no remorse. If charges were brought on her, she might give up valuable information for a lesser sentence?

[@luvsilly60]

Seems the crime is ongoing. Limitation should not have started.

[@ivy_inferno]

I found my father's family in june, he's now 75 and searched for them all his life. This is not the same kind of story, but I totally understand the joy they felt being reunited 💖 This feeling is incredible.

[@hufflepunkslitherclaw7436]

Only at 9 mins, and one thing i always enjoy about your videos is how you humanize people. Its reallt easy for someone to say, "i would never leave my baby with a stranger" but understanding how desperate she was....man.

[@theresataylor6675]

I just sat and cried. As a mother I can't begin to imagine the pain this family has endured. Thank God for such a happy ending. I wish them nothing but happiness for the future.

[@uubish]

I hope Melissa writes a book on her life. What a crazy story. My heart hurts for her all the trauma she and her bio family went through for someone else’s selfish gain. For $500?! It’s sickening.

[@amna_dhanani]

Definitely. Need to know more about her life

[@nanali7245]

I hope that big void in all of them is filled now & they can all start healing

[@StarryInkArt]

Agreed 😔

[@CherylCurtis-q9s]

​

[@figgityfly]

Thank you for making this video. A friend of mine had a brother that was kidnapped by his father in another country. His brother was missing from age 3 until 19 years old. My friend became a federal worker in the US and searched for his brother and found him. He was living with his father in the states. His brother had no idea his stepmother was not his biological mother. It is a sad story but has a happy ending like this one.

[@terriehumphries6028]

I have lived in Ft Worth for over 35 years. I remember when my Aunt adopted me, she mentioned this case because she did not want me running off by myself. I was 15 but this was one of those cases that you just heard about. Melissa and I are very close in age so it really hits home to hear about this. I am so glad she was found.

[@maddydow1217]

I can't even imagine trying to wrap your head around finding out that you'd been kidnapped and then sold. I hope they're able to spend as much time together as possible and make fantastic memories as a whole family.

[@taylornicole7845]

As a new mom I can’t imagine this, poor mom and daughter. I think it’s so amazing she changes her name back to original name and said “the women that raised me” and not my mother, my heart is so happy for everyone in this story The fact there is a statute of limitations for cases like is mind blowing, I don’t care if the person is 70+ they deserve to spend there last years in jail

The person who bought her and says she knew she was baby Melissa should also be held responsible... So glad this story had a happy ending after all these years though!

[@hansolohansolo]

Right!? She literally participated in human trafficking and were just going to pretend like that’s not a crime…? If they find a way around the statute of limitations, I hope that person is prosecuted.

[@seachelle3444]

The statute of limitations ran out 20 years after her 18th birthday. There's nothing they can do as of yet

@@seachelle3444 which makes it all the more infuriating!

[@seachelle3444]

@ I agree

[@tomsevcik1792]

I think the person will be found and held responsible. If Melissa ended up alive and reunited after all these years theres a same level of hope towards justice.

[@Mekanayze]

She looks alot like her mother, and im so so glad the parents are still alive for the news and to be able to put the mystery to rest.

[@madelinesilva9362]

I love how respectful you are and that you actively support the cause you're covering.

[@isabelle8836]

I felt so sorry for Melissa, she got kidnapped and the family raised her was awful. I am so happy she found her biological family.

[@CrypticCharm]

i read an article about this a few weeks ago, and what Melissa went through after her abduction was heartbreaking. i really hope she gets the help she needs, because her life has been filled with so much trauma. to know that her bio parents were only a few miles away. it's so heartbreaking what this entire family has gone through

[@scout72430]

So happy she was found, but my heart breaks for the childhood she had. I'll never understand why people buy or adopt or foster children only to abuse them. I hope Melissa is able to heal with her family.

[@clairecarty906]

That is insane! The woman who raised Melissa and bought her off the street is as much liable as the person who kidnapped her! She should have turned this baby into authorities to send her back home. And to hear that Melissa moved out as a teenager and got involved in sex work?! Melissa knew something was off and this woman who raised her was no where to be found. I hope she has some charges.

[@anitawoods7174]

To me it feels like the women who bought her might be much more involved . Maybe she´ s the one who instigated the whole kidnapping, got the kidnapper to abduct the baby for $500. The ”bought her on the street” doesn´ t sound true

[@Hbd2002]

Why is there a statute of limitations on kidnapping?

[@artistdrummer45]

I agree. Some parts of this story makes no sense. Someone who pays 500dollars for a child off the street has to be seriously disturbed. Where did this person get so much money? Didn't it occur to the person that someone or the police are looking for this child? ALSO, Melissa should be 52 or 53 at the time of the reunion. SHE LOOKS LIKE SHE IS OVER 60 a lot of info is missing here

[@gottogoalltheway]

​​@@artistdrummer45 I'm not sure that her looking older doesn't make her not who they say she is. For instance I am 59 years old My cousin is 52 and looks like she is 75 and I'm not exaggerating at all. If I could put a pic of her on here. You would say I was a lier. I look closer to her age. But she looks 15 yrs older than me. She did that to herself. She (my cousin)wicked And looks the part.

[@MunchyLifeTrinidy]

This is truly such a beautiful ending and Melissa looks so much like her baby pic! I am so sad for her though. The fact that she was purchased by people who didn’t give her a good childhood is truly heartbreaking. I hope she is finding healing and happiness now that she understands more and gets to know her siblings and parents.

[@BrookeClyde]

How could you take a baby from a loving family and then not at least give her a good life? Wtf I’m so glad she was reunited with her family ❤

[@samanthaunger8143]

Statute of limitations always angers me in cases like these. There should be no time limit put on how this individual destroyed Melissa and her family’s lives 😞 very happy they all got to reunite though ❤

[@jacquelinemiller1260]

I agree with you.

[@theoryofpersonality1420]

Kidnapping was up to the day she found out.

[@lindaaspromonte1514]

I so agree!

[@youngfox9578]

Could you imagine your baby being stolen from a loving caring home then sold for $500 just to have a heartbreaking upbringing?! She ran way at 15 years old and turned to sex work while being a minor in order to provide for herself. Then imagine being the parents who finally are reunited with their child after 50+ years and she tells them all the heartache she went through… I’m glad she was able to met her true parents before they passed 💕

[@MCdreamfaerie]

Just the thought that the first move would be to sell them? Like bro I'll give you $5000. Give me back my baby. No questions asked. 😔

[@Cassxowary]

yahh tragic but wait until you hear about what’s done to babies of other species for products and testing and all that!

[@Cassxowary]

but probably what happened to maddie mccann too unless whether sex slave or regular slave… and countless other slaves!

[@Cassxowary]

@@MCdreamfaerienot how slavery works…

[@thnkr0917]

@@MCdreamfaerie No one said in the video it was the "first move". We all read into that. She could have been sold any time before she was old enough to remember that missing time. Anything could have happened before roughly school age and Melissa wouldn't remember much and if she did, she probably has rationalized the buyer's role. That person who raised her was, likely, NOT just a random buyer. She, at the very least, knew who the seller was. What do people think? That someone was standing around singing "Baby for sale, sweet cute baby for sale, five hundred dallah baby.." NO!!! That seller and the buyer knew each other and it was an arranged transaction. The buyer admittedly knew who Melissa was!! She knew she was buying a kidnapped baby/child. She probably knows everything that happened to Melissa in between, as well. Melissa also was, likely, bought for some awful reason, not for a "desperate to adopt" parent, like everyone seems to want to assume. Thus, why the buyer didn't raise her in a loving home. It wasn't out of wanting to adopt a child that she bought her to begin with! I have lots of guesses about what really happened, but whatever way it went down, the buyer is guilty as h@ll.

[@kaylacam692]

I know Melissa from Hope Works Church. Met her about a year ago. This was absolutely insane to have so close to home.

[@MaineCoonMama18]

It's incredibly heartbreaking that Melissa had such a difficult life when she could and should have been raised by her loving family. I'm so glad they can all be together, heal and build that bond now.

[@ashleebooks8084]

Hi, Kendall. Please cover the case of Kamiyah Mobley. You covered a similar case a couple years ago when your channel was taking off, but the cases are extremely different apart from a baby being abducted from a hospital and raised by their kidnapper. Kamiyah Teresiah Tasha Mobley was born on July 10, 1998. That same day, at around three o'clock in the afternoon, baby Kamiyah was kidnapped by a woman named Gloria Williams, who wanted to keep her relationship with her boyfriend, and took Kamiyah so she could pretend that the baby is her daughter. Kamiyah was raised as Alexis Kelli Manigo by Gloria and was found in January 2017 after DNA tests proved she was not Gloria's daughter. Kamiyah still maintains a relationship with her kidnapper and views Gloria as her mother as opposed to her biological mother, Shanara Mobley.

[@Megan_Truly]

Just looked that up, feel so bad for Shanara, how upsetting.

[@MsBossLadyLola]

I heard about that story. That’s so nasty and fucked up and sad that she wanted to keep her relationship with her kidnapper. That’s literally Stockholm syndrome

[@saafiiiraa]

@@MsBossLadyLola Obviously she cannot just forget the person she's known as her mother, regardless of her 'mother's' atrocious act.

[@animestarz1768]

I definitely feel for the bio mother, I can't imagine that kind of emotional pain. but I do not think it's unrealistic that Kamiyah still views her kidnapper as her mother. her bio mother is essentially a stranger to her and it will take time to build a bond. it's also traumatic to find out someone who raised you and loved you isn't your actual mother, and she stole you.

[@bbykashh]

@@charitysketches I mean when you’re raised by fucked up people like that they make you just as fucked up. That poor lady deserves better it seems like. Fuck her daughter. That’s so messed up. She’s acting like her mom gave her away which I’m almost CERTAIN her kidnapper is telling her that’s the case and the daughter is brainwashed af

[@chilltheheckoutwithava1454]

The way she says “my father” Just hit me in the heart 🥲

[@Pureserpent]

Brought tears to my eyes, the feeling they must’ve felt must’ve been an incredible high 💕

[@cheryldian]

Such a heart warming story, Her Dad aged well and you can tell she's been through a lot .

[@shainazion4073]

I have a friend that was bought for $5,000.00 in 1966. She has just done DNA testing about 5 years ago. It led her to several relatives.

[@WaterBottleBlues101]

I cried watching this. Poor Melissa suffered so much. What a blessing that she found her true family.💞

[@dawny2985]

I am just glad her parents were still alive to see this reunion❣

[@harmonyleigh3760]

Oh Kendall… you’ve done it again! Always shining light to the darkness. ♥️♥️

[@porkahontas]

I was so happy when I found out that her parents were still alive and able to reconnect with her. Truly a blessing.

[@Ashmiller1993]

My heart is so happy that both parents were still alive at the time she was found!!

[@whitwillie4052]

Not only is it tough for the parents of a missing child to learn they aren’t related to the person being looked for, but I’m sure it’s equally as painful for the once upon a time, child to learn it isn’t a match as well. Im so glad this story has a happy ending

[@melissajacobs5822]

Holy crap, there is absolutely NO resemblance in those age progression photos. Not even friggin close 🤦 Im glad that she's been reunited with her family

[@anikarogers5569]

Finally someone said it, was going to say the same thing.

[@melissajacobs5822]

@@anikarogers5569 legit the worst ive seen!

[@raechelgrantham8134]

There's just a way to your story telling that conveys so much respect and empathy for the victims (living or otherwise) that sets you apart. Thank you for covering this bittersweet story.

[@anya425]

I need to correct you; stranger danger did exist back in 1971, and we, even as kids, were warned about this by our parents in the 1970s.

[@sarahpotter9825]

The fact that Melissa refers to the person who bought her as “the person who raised me” and that she left home at 15 and fell into such a hard life breaks my heart to think of what she must have experienced growing up. I think of situations where the person who was stolen sees that person that raised them as their mom and they have a hard time accepting their real family. But in this case she must have gone through some horrible things. She looked so relieved and happy to have a really family. A mom, dad, siblings who are all alive. It’s beautiful.

[@greenie1422]

Hi Kendall, please consider covering some Irish cases, Amy Fitzpatrick, Noah Donohoe or Raonaid Murray for example. It would be wonderful to see them brought to attention again

[@KelseyDawnMiller]

It’s so exciting not only that she was found & reunited but that her parents are still alive & got an answer!

[@jessicayoung6208]

I’m so surprised you’ve kept up with your channel so much after Holly. But I’m glad you’ve stuck around for us. We all appreciate you and the work you do sharing these stories, raising money for so many good causes, etc. Hope you, Josh and Holly are doing well and staying blessed.

[@dianneyoungblood689]

Odd…little hats & bows. Definitely a different life for Melissa. Maybe some mental health issues after what she went thru!

[@ellzietwinkle1089]

There should never be a statute of limitations on child abductions or child targeted crimes or violent crime. The person who bought Melissa should be charged with purchasing a human being. I am happy she was found & reunited with her biological parents. I do hope to hear more about accountability from this case. Melissa grew up to be a beautiful woman, like her Mom. I hope they can remain close & heal.

[@JaneDoe-ng3zm]

In the bible kidnapping had the death penalty it is a REALLY EVIL ACT unforgivable law in our country sucks people that harm children WALK

[@Joie991]

24 hours?? OMG!! She’s a baby!! That’s incomprehensible even for back then!!

[@GetSicRiCH]

*Melissa Highsmith* is absolutely adorable!!! i Am so happy for her and her family!! 𝖍𝖆𝖑𝖑𝖊𝖑𝖚𝖏𝖆𝖍 🙌✨

[@goblin1873]

My girlfriend and someday wife and I love your content. She introduced me and I love how respectfully you cover these topics.

[@mystery_sauce]

He never gave up! That was amazing of him!!! that was great thanks kendall. You gave me the courage to start my own true crime channel

[@12ctube]

Cannot imagine the pain and anxiety of not knowing what happened, so glad Melissa got healthy and safe after such a rough start, unbelievable story

[@christyadkins9218]

Why would a mother pass her daughter off without a phone number, without an address, without anything? That’s crazy.

[@dhamarmiranda6446]

Folllwing true crime is such an emotional rollercoaster, but it’s stories and cases like these that make it worth it. It makes it easier to look at the missing posters, share the Facebook post, read the description, etc. I’m so happy for her and her family ❤️

[@mombeach]

So horrible! Whoever sold her for $500 needs to be jailed. Also the buyer! My heart goes out to Melissa. So sad she had to be a sex worker to get by. I pray she can be reunited with her 3 Kids someday soon.

[@revertica3768]

Melissa seems like the sweetest person ❤❤❤❤ I am so glad she was found and finally back with her family

[@chainamarie03]

Thankfully all her real family was alive to know Melissa was still alive and to welcome her back home 🎉❤ 35:48

[@Clemontines]

I heard about this case first from “the vanished” podcast it’s amazing to hear she was found. The exclusive interviews they had on the pod from the family were heartbreaking!! So glad to hear it

[@descaprice1995]

Kendall just wanted to thank you for all your hard work , while being a 1st time mom. Your amazing and we love you

[@antonia8231]

I’ve just seen this video. No idea how I missed it. Kendall this the best video you’ve done! The happy ending, the info videos from NCMEC and your compassion are just amazing! I’ve a complete true crime junkie and you’re right, it’s so good to see an uplifting case. Thank you and I wish so much happiness for the Highsmiths.

[@nena2989]

500$ back in the 70s equated almost 4,000$ today. This being said, no amount of money is an excuse to ruin someone’s life

[@michellebonano6384]

My heart really goes out to her. Why buy a child if you’re not gonna do your best to give them a great life? Like wtf! And her bio parents were clearly good loving people 😢

[@sadcase1girl125]

I love happy endings! So glad that Melissa was reunited with her biological family! After the hard life she has been through, they all deserve to be together and loved!

[@qwenyodi2478]

Thank you for including more info about NCMEC

[@debraj7577]

The fact that both parents were still alive is fantastic, as they get closer

[@mdh1974]

I wonder if the roommate, watching the baby that day, was actually the one that sold Melissa. Her whole story sounds fishy. I think when she sold Melissa the buyer asked to buy the boy too, & she declined.

[@CovidConQuitTheCensorship]

Yes, that's my thought too. A random person from her past gets in contact and invites her to live with her, then child goes missing? Problem is proving it, a lot of he said/she said. Could have even been the mother who sold her own child

[@AV-rw7te]

Glad both her parents were still alive to see her

[@TheShiner555]

I love that Melissa finally has the family she deserved, one that loves her enough to have sought her out their entire lives. It sounds like she had some serious struggles and probably went many days/nights feeling alone. I hope her family makes her feel loved and like she belongs every day.

[@storytimewithkay]

I saw this on Instagram and couldn't wait for you to cover it and hear the details! What a happy ending to a rough life for all of them. I hope they have nothing but happiness from here on out. ❤️

[@leighannunderwood3714]

So happy to see you today! Love your stories and thank you for ALL you do!

[@jenninahornagold1215]

I’ve been following you for 3-4 years now!!! You have come so far girl and i’m so happy for your husband & you & your precious baby girl!!

[@carolinemay8225]

What an amazing story! Genealogy is probably the coolest thing ever. I can’t believe I didn’t hear about this a few months ago! Very well told Kendall 👏

[@lauracarranza5694]

What an amazing case. I hope every single missing child can be reunited with their family one day!