
The person at the center of this case
Merlene C Hayes
Justice for Merlene C Hayes — the trail went cold in 1994, but the truth hasn't.
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What circumstances led Merlene to leave her residence on April 26, 1994, and where was she headed?
Were there any witnesses to Merlene leaving her home or any sightings of her in the days following her disappearance?
As a woman who wore wigs, did she have any distinctive identifying marks or characteristics that could help identify her?
Merlene C Hayes, a 55-year-old woman, disappeared on April 26, 1994, after leaving her residence in Tallahassee, Florida. Despite decades passing, the circumstances of her disappearance remain unclear and no trace has been found. Her case remains open with the Leon County Sheriff's Office, and anyone with information about her whereabouts is urged to come forward.
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Official wording
NamUs case MP20571. Missing person: Merlene C Hayes.
Last known contact: 1994-04-26 in Tallahassee, Leon, FL. Circumstances: Hayes was last seen leaving her residence in Tallahassee, Florida on April 26, 1994.
Demographics: 55 years, Female, Black / African American. Physical description: 5 ft 7 in, 170 lbs, hair: Gray or Partially Gray, eyes: Brown.
Clothing and accessories: Accessories: wears wigs; Clothing: purple flowered shirt; Footwear: Nike tennis shoes. Investigating agency: Leon County Sheriff's Office | 2025-00151919.
Merlene C Hayes was last seen leaving her residence in Tallahassee, Florida on April 26, 1994. She was 55 years old, 5'7", 170 lbs, wearing a purple flowered shirt and Nike tennis shoes.
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.