New Search for Missing Woburn Girl to Start Saturday in Stoneham

A search team will try to locate a Woburn girl that went missing more than two decades ago, according to a Mission for the Missing press statement.

In 1989, Melanie Melanson was 14 years old when she disappeared, according to the statement.

"Since that time multiple ground searches have been conducted both by law enforcement and private volunteer groups," reads the statement. "During a search last fall teams brought together by Mission for the Missing identified an area in Woburn that will be the subject of a forensic dig in mid August.

"Recently information was received that Melanie’s remains may have been moved and buried in the Middlesex Fells Reservation in Stoneham."

Search professionals from three states and K-9 teams are expected to participate in the search, according to the statement. The search teams likely will search areas "in a portion of the (Middlesex Fells) Reservation that presents the highest probability of a locate.," reads the statement.

Where to Begin

A command post will be set up at the dead end of Fallon Road in Stoneham early in the morning, followed by a briefing scheduled for 6:45 a.m., according to the statement.

"It is uncommon for us to activate K-9 teams during the summer for a human remains search but with a dig scheduled for August in Woburn we determined it best to follow up on the lead as quickly as possible," reads the statement. 

Search teams will work as long as weather and conditions permit, according to the statement.