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FOX 32 / SUN-TIMES - A $10,000 reward has been offered for information leading to the arrest of the person or people responsible for the disappearance of a 13-year-old girl who went missing 20 years ago from southwest suburban Bolingbrook.
On Jan. 31, 1996, Rachel Marie Melon disappeared from her bedroom after staying home sick from school with a sore throat, according to a statement from Crime Stoppers of Bolingbrook. She would have turned 34 years old Thursday.
Her stepfather told police she went to take a nap and was discovered missing by a younger sibling about an hour later, according to the statement.
Rachel's dad - who lives in Forest Park - says he hopes a new ten thousand dollar reward for information will bring closure.
Her father says he tries to have hope that his daughter is still alive, but knows it's a very slim possibility. He says after two decades of not knowing, he just wants answers.
"It’s hard to lose a kid before you lose you, that's one of the hardest things to do is lose a child and to have it be with no answer and not be able to put her at rest or get her justice - it's really hard."
Rachel’s step-father failed parts of a lie detector test and was investigated, but never charged. Right now, private investigators are looking for Rachel’s friend named Autumn.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at (630) 378-4772. Tips can also be emailed to bolingbrookcrimestoppers.org or texted to BPD, plus the message, to 274637. Callers may remain anonymous.