It was October 27, 1989, and 14-year-old Melanie Jo Melanson had many reasons to be excited. Her birthday was in just 5 days, and the teenager was about to have her braces removed. It was also Friday and she planned to start her weekend early. Melanie and her best friend, Carmen Gonzalez left before the last bell, eager to attend a party later that night. Melanie lived with her grandmother and her aunt Mary Ann in Woburn, Massachusetts. Since she knew her grandmother wouldn’t approve of a late-night party fuelled with drugs and underage drinking, Melanie told her she was spending the night at her friend Laura’s house next door.
Tragically, a simple night of fun and teenage rebellion resulted in a 32-year nightmare that continues to this day; Melanie never came home. Her grandmother became frantic when she dropped by next door and learned Melanie’s story had only been a cover. She called all of Melanie’s friends but no one claimed to have seen or heard from her. It was at that point she called the police and reported her granddaughter missing.
Melanie was last seen with Eugene (Gene) Bertini and his best friend, James (Jimmy) Treska at the opening of the trail at 2 am. Jimmy said he offered Melanie a ride home but she declined in an effort to spend more time with her crush, Gene. Meanwhile, Gene said he couldn’t give her a ride because he drove a motorcycle and only had one helmet. He said he rode off and saw Melanie walking in the opposite direction.
Loved ones described Melanie Jo Melanson as having a heart of gold. Her parents and grandmother have since passed but Melanie’s remaining loved ones continue the fight for justice. Although they believe she is likely deceased, they will never stop looking until they bring Melanie home. If you have any information, contact the Woburn Police Department at 781–933–1212.
