Melissa's family lived with two roommates, Wanda Faye Reed and her common-law husband, in the 600 block of Lamberton Street in Trenton, New Jersey in 1988. Reed is mentally disabled and functions at the level of a four- to seven-year-old child. On March 6, 1988, Reed asked Melissa's mother for permission to take the baby for a walk. Rebecca consented and Reed left with the baby. When she returned, just eight minutes later, she had a neighbor with her and Melissa was gone. The child has never been seen again. Reed told several conflicting stories to explain Melissa's disappearance. Two days after Melissa's disappearance, Reed was charged with kidnapping. She was found incompetent to stand trial and the charges were dropped in December 1989. Reed was then sent to live in a facility for mentally disabled individuals. She now lives with relatives.