Where Is Rachel Mellon-Skemp, the 13-Year-Old Who Mysteriously Vanished in 1996?

Rachel Marie Mellon-Skemp would be 41 years old today

On Jan. 31, 1996, 13-year-old Rachel Marie Mellon-Skemp disappeared from her home in Bollingbrook, Ill., without a trace, shocking everyone who knew the bubbly teen.

On that day, Rachel was home sick from school, and, according to ABC 7, her stepfather Vincent Mellon was the only person home with her. He later told authorities that while Rachel was taking a nap, he took the family dog out for a walk. He said he did not realize until hours later that Rachel was missing.

Although he was reportedly considered police's prime suspect, no one has ever been charged in connection with Rachel's disappearance.

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According to a 2021 report from ABC 7, Rachel's mother and Vincent moved to Tennessee years prior.

Rachel's father, Jeff Skemp, was living in Texas at the time his daughter disappeared and has spent decades trying to come to terms with the fact that he may never see his daughter again.

“To parents out there, love your children,” he told WGN 9 in 2021. “Enjoy every minute you have with them."

He added: “I’m at peace and have accepted the strong possibility that Rachel is no longer alive.”

While describing Rachel, Carrie Scaglione, her former best friend, told WGN 9, "She was a silly girl who was always in great spirits regardless of what was going on in the house ... I always tell people, she was an old soul.”

To this day, Jeff runs a Facebook page titled, Help Find Rachel Marie Mellon Skemp.

Rachel would be 41 years old today.

Anyone with information regarding Rachel's disappearance is asked to contact the Bolingbrook Police Department at 630-226-8660.

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