Brannen, circa 1989; Right: Age-progressed image to age 21 (circa 2005)
Brannen, circa 1989; Right: Age-progressed image to age 21 (circa 2005)
Name: Melissa Lee Brannen
Case Classification: Non-Family Abduction
Missing Since: December 3, 1989
Location Last Seen: Lorton, Fairfax County, Virginia
Date of Birth: April 13, 1984
Age: 5 years old
Race: Caucasian
Gender: Female
Height: 3'0
Weight: 38 pounds
Hair Color: Light brown hair
Eye Color: Blue
Nickname/Alias: Unknown
Distinguishing Marks/Features: A burn scar on her right forearm.
Dentals: Not available
Fingerprints: Not available
DNA: Available
Clothing: A navy blue sweater with a yellow Big Bird applique; a blue and red plaid skirt; red tights; black patent leather shoes with gold bows; and a pink hooded jacket.
Jewelry: Unknown
Additional Personal Items: Unknown
Brannen was last seen during a holiday party at the Woodside Apartment Clubhouse in Lorton, Virginia on December 3, 1989. She lived with her mother in the apartment complex at the time. She disappeared from the festivities and has never been seen again.
Caleb D. Hughes was developed as a suspect within hours of the abduction. Hughes was employed as a grounds keeper at Woodside Apartments at the time of Brannen's disappearance. The Federal Bureau Of Investigation (FBI) examined blood and fiber evidence from Hughes' vehicle in the weeks following Brannen's disappearance. He was convicted of abducting Brannen in 1991 and sentenced to 50 years in prison. Melissa has never been found.
Agency Name: Fairfax County Police Department Criminal Investigations Bureau.
Agency Contact Person: Det. Bob Murphy
Agency Phone Number: 703-246-7800 OR 703-2456-7890
Agency E-Mail: N/A
Agency Case Number: 893371483
NamUs Case Number: MP #1797
NCIC Case Number: M395923188
NCMEC Case Number: NCMC732677
Added: Prior to 2011; Last Updated: 05-18-2022 - By: Htmlcnvtr
Questions or comments? Please contact appropriate member of the Area Team
** Listed information is from the time of disappearance.
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