Ilene Misheloff Annual Candlelight Vigil Canceled, Search Goes On

DUBLIN, CA — For the second year in a row, the annual candlelight vigil and anniversary walk held on the anniversary of Dublin resident Ilene Misheloff’s disappearance will be canceled.

But 33 years after the 13-year-old went missing near Wells Middle School, Dublin police say they remain committed to finding her.

“After 33 years, Dublin Police Services is steadfastly committed to finding Ilene. We continue to keep the family updated and follow-up on information that is pertinent to solving this case,” Dublin police tweeted Tuesday.

Misheloff was abducted on Jan. 30, 1989 while walking home from Wells Middle School, according to a city website devoted to the case. She was last seen at approximately 3 p.m. walking alone on Amador Valley Boulevard near Village Parkway. Her key fob was found near the entrance to John Mape Park, the route she normally took home.

At the time of her disappearance, she had braces, pierced ears, and freckles on her cheeks and nose. She would now be 46.

Police are offering a $95,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible. Investigating agencies are re-examining the case after David Misch, 59, was charged with the murder of 9-year-old Michaela Garecht, who disappeared outside a Hayward supermarket in 1988. Misch has been in prison since 1989 for another Hayward murder and is awaiting trial for a 1986 cold-case double homicide in Fremont.

Ilene’s parents Mike and Maddi never gave up hope that their daughter would return. They hosted fundraisers, gave TV interviews, and lent their support to organizations for missing children. Until 2021, they hosted a candlelight vigil and walk from Wells Middle School to St. Raymond Church, roughly the same route Ilene took to school every day. Prayer services were held at the church.

In April 2020, Maddi passed away at 71 after a two-year battle with bladder cancer. Despite the ongoing tragedy she endured, she devoted her life to the Dublin community. She served on the Dublin San Ramon Services District Board of Directors, the Dublin Lions Club St. Patrick’s Day parade, and flipped burgers at Dublin Pride Week, among many other activities.

"Maddi cared so much about our community, and brought a cheer, positive energy, and hard work to her service of our community," former Assemblymember Catharine Baker told Patch at the time of her passing. "Her passing is a loss for our town and our broader Tri-Valley, and I am grateful for her life and service to others."

In January 2021, the walk was canceled, but Dublin police shared a message from Chief Garrett Holmes, which recounted the basic details of Ilene’s disappearance, and how anyone with information could help.

It also shared a message from Mike Misheloff. “Our lives were forever turned over when she disappeared 32 years ago,” he said. “Please know that we haven’t given up hope of finding her. If you have any information, please contact the Dublin Police at 925-833-6670.”

Related:

• Ilene Misheloff Annual Candlelight Vigil Canceled; Goes Virtual
• Community Mourns The Loss Of Maddi Misheloff