Melendez was last seen at his residence in Mission, Texas on December 3, 1993. He has never been heard from again. Melendez's truck was discovered abandoned less than one mile from his home. Authorities discovered blood inside the vehicle's bed. Investigators believe Melendez may have been taken against his will. His case remains unsolved.

Some agencies report that Melendez's date of birth is November 16, 1945; he occasionally used that date.