'Our girl': Woman abducted as a baby reunited with mother and father after 51 years

A US girl who went lacking as a child 51 years in the past has been discovered and reunited together with her household after a decades-long search.

Melissa Highsmith was kidnapped from her residence in Fort Value, Texas on August 23, 1971, by somebody claiming to be a babysitter.

She was simply 21-months-old.

Her household by no means stopped looking for her, however their search is now over because of an at-home DNA check package.

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Melissa Highsmith as a child in contrast with a age-progression picture of what she may like from the Nationwide Middle for Lacking and Exploited Youngsters.(Highsmith household / NCMEC)

Relations have been shocked after they opened the outcomes of a "23 and Me" DNA check and located they'd matched with Melissa's kids. 

In accordance with a Fb submit from a member of the family, Melissa met together with her father and mom for the primary time on Saturday.

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Melissa reunited together with her dad and mom on Saturday and performed official DNA assessments. (Highsmith household )

It was an emotional reunion for the Highsmith household as they'd been looking for Melissa for many years.(Melissa Highsmith)

"DNA wins this search," the submit mentioned.

"Mother and Dad met Mel for the primary time yesterday, after 51 years and did additional official and authorized DNA testing.

"Athough within the second we noticed her footage, discovered about her birthmark, and realised her 'birthday' is so near our Melissa, we knew past a shadow of a doubt that this was our lady."

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Melissa Highsmith was kidnapped by a lady claiming to be a babysitter, whereas her mom was at work. (Highsmith household)

Melissa was nonetheless residing in Fort Value, about 10 minutes from the place she was kidnapped.

She at present goes by the title Melanie however is looking for to vary her title again to Melissa. 

Melissa was kidnapped after her recently-separated mom Alta positioned an commercial within the newspaper for a babysitter.

She wanted assist to look at over her child as she labored as a waitress.

Alta employed a lady who responded to the advert.

She informed authorities the lady picked up Melissa, who was within the care of her roommate, whereas she was at work.

She referred to as regulation enforcement to report Melissa lacking the day she vanished. 

Melissa's brother Jeff mentioned he was informed the babysitter was sporting white gloves, sun shades and a bonnet round her head in the course of August.

The household have requested for privateness as they course of the "thrilling information" of Melissa's return.