Missing Teen Girl from Goderich, Ontario – Mistie Murray, 16, Last Seen May 31, 1995

 

 
 

🧍‍♀️ Missing Teen Girl Last Seen May 31, 1995 in Goderich, Ontario – Mistie Murray

📌 Description

Mistie Murray, 16, was last seen on May 31, 1995, in her hometown of Goderich, Ontario. That day, she attended classes at Goderich District Collegiate Institute and visited the school nurse for reasons that remain private. At around 3:00 p.m., she attempted to call her adoptive mother, Anne Murray, at work and left a voicemail. Mistie never made it home and has not been heard from since.

Born Jean Marie Oldfield, Mistie was placed in foster care shortly after birth and officially adopted in 1983 by Anne and Steven Murray. Her adoptive parents described her as a friendly and outgoing child who did well in school early on. However, during adolescence, Mistie began experiencing personal difficulties, and her academic performance declined.

In the months before her disappearance, Mistie had reconnected with her biological mother, Darlene Oldfield. They had met in person and were planning a weekend trip together. There were even discussions about Mistie spending the summer living with Oldfield. Mistie was reportedly very excited about the visit and had already packed a suitcase in anticipation — a bag she left behind, along with $200 in cash on her dresser. These details raised serious doubts about the early theory that she had run away voluntarily.

📅 Timeline and Suspicious Activity

At the time of her disappearance, Mistie was in a relationship with an adult boyfriend, Jeremy Cook. He claimed he last saw her on May 30 and that he had cashed a cheque and paid rent that day. However, bank records later showed he actually cashed the cheque on May 31, the very day Mistie went missing. Unconfirmed sightings placed Mistie at Cook’s apartment on either May 31 or June 1.

Throughout early June 1995, several teenagers who knew Mistie reported seeing and speaking with her in Goderich and in nearby Clinton, Ontario. Later that month, there were additional possible sightings in the Dundas/Adelaide area of London, Ontario, an area known for transient youth. Witnesses claimed Mistie was involved in drugs and prostitution and that she may have left the city with her pimp due to increased publicity about her case. Other reported sightings came from Toronto, where someone matching her description was seen begging on the streets. Despite these accounts, none were confirmed.

⚖️ Legal Developments

By September 1995, authorities shifted their approach. Mistie’s adoptive father, Steven Murray, was charged with her murder. Prosecutors alleged that he had taken Mistie onto Lake Huron by boat on the day she disappeared, murdered her, and dumped her body in the lake’s cold, deep waters — theorizing that the low temperatures would prevent it from surfacing.

Steven admitted to going out on the lake that day, but claimed it was a brief solo trip. Several witnesses confirmed he was on land during the timeframe prosecutors alleged the murder occurred. The jury deliberated for less than an hour and found him not guilty of all charges at his 1997 trial.

Despite his acquittal, some investigators continued to suspect Steven’s involvement. However, a later review of the case found significant flaws in the investigation, including a failure to follow up on credible leads and a narrow focus on a “weak” theory of Steven’s guilt. Following Mistie’s disappearance, Anne and Steven divorced. In 2000, the family held a memorial for Mistie. Two years later, they filed a $2.15 million lawsuit against police for malicious prosecution and withholding evidence that could have cleared Steven earlier.

📞 How to Help

Mistie remains missing to this day. Her adoptive parents believe she may have run away but was likely killed by others on the streets. Mistie’s biological mother also believes her daughter is deceased. Despite the decades that have passed, investigators still seek answers and continue to appeal to the public for information.

🧾 Vital Statistics

• Missing Since: May 31, 1995
• Location: Goderich, Ontario, Canada
• Classification: Endangered Missing
• Date of Birth: October 28, 1978
• Age at Disappearance: 16 years old
• Height: 5’3″ – 5’4″
• Weight: 115 pounds

🧍‍♀️ Distinguishing Features

• Reddish-brown hair and gray/green eyes
• Mole on right cheek and a gap between her two upper front teeth
• Nickname: Mistron
• May use last names Oldfield or Kidd, or birth name Jean Marie Oldfield
• Five piercings in her right ear and two in her left; not wearing earrings when last seen

👗 Clothing and Accessories

• Red shorts and black boots
• Rings on every finger
• Possibly a dark green nylon jacket with the following markings:
  • “Mistie” on the right sleeve
  • “Flag” on the left sleeve
  • “S.D.H.S. Girls Band” on the left chest area

🔗 Sources

Details based on compiled case history, legal documents, and media reports regarding Mistie Murray’s disappearance and related events.

👉 What You Can Do

• Share Mistie’s story on social media to raise awareness
• If you have any information about Mistie’s disappearance, contact your local police or Crime Stoppers
• Support organizations that help investigate long-term missing persons cases