Left and Center: Welch, circa 1982;
Right: Age-progression to an unknown age
Vital Statistics at Time of Disappearance
Vital Statistics at Time of Disappearance
Missing Since: July 12, 1982 from Roanoke, Virginia Classification: Endangered Missing Date of Birth: March 15, 1960 Age: 22 years old Height and Weight: 5'7 - 5'8, 110 - 135 pounds Distinguishing Characteristics: Caucasian female. Brown hair, blue eyes. Welch has the following tattoos: a red rose on her right forearm, a hummingbird on her left breast, eagle wings on her right shoulder and a snake on her right hip. She may use the first name Jenny. Clothing/Jewelry Description: A burgundy top, a leather vest, blue jeans and possibly rings on all her fingers.
Details of Disappearance
Welch was last seen in Roanoke, Virginia on July 12, 1982. Shortly before her disappearance, she had moved to the Roanoke area to live with a roommate. She enlisted in the United States Army, but served for only a few months before being discharged for medical reasons.A week or two after Welch was last seen, her mother became concerned because she had not heard from her in three weeks and asked Welch's roommate where she was. The roommate said Welch had walked away from their residence, carrying a plastic bag, and had not returned. Several weeks later, the police began investigating Welch's disappearance.
Welch's boyfriend was involved with the Pagans, a motorcycle gang. Welch disappeared shortly after some of the gang members were arrested in a drug raid. She may have been a federal informant. She did have a history of engaging in drug activities to support herself.
Welch's family continues to search for her; her fate is unclear. Her case remains unsolved.
Investigating Agency
Source Information
Updated 3 times since October 12, 2004.
Last updated December 4, 2008; picture, date of birth and clothing/jewelry description added, distinguishing characteristics and details of disappearance updated.
If you have any information concerning this case, please contact:
Roanoke Police Department
540-853-5959
Main Street Newspapers
The Doe Network
Virginia State Police
North American Missing Persons Network