The Unsolved Murder of Nereida ’Nettie’ Melendez

2026-06-30

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1989 - Worcester, Massachusetts. June 5, 1989, was supposed to be a day of celebration for 17-year-old Nereida “Nettie” Melendez. The responsible and ambitious teenager was set to graduate from high school and begin the next chapter of her life. But when Nettie failed to appear at her graduation ceremony, her family immediately knew something was wrong. Their worst fears were realized the following day when Nettie’s body was found during a family-led search. Decades later, the mystery surrounding her death remains unsol...

1989 - Worcester, Massachusetts.

June 5, 1989, was supposed to be a day of celebration for 17-year-old Nereida “Nettie” Melendez. The responsible and ambitious teenager was set to graduate from high school and begin the next chapter of her life. But when Nettie failed to appear at her graduation ceremony, her family immediately knew something was wrong. Their worst fears were realized the following day when Nettie’s body was found during a family-led search.

Decades later, the mystery surrounding her death remains unsolved. Nettie's brother, Peter Vasquez, and cousin, Doris, join us to talk about the young woman behind the headlines, the lingering questions that continue to haunt their family, and the determination that keeps them searching for justice.

17-year-old Nereida Melendez, who went by Nettie, had a big day ahead of her, and plans for her bright future. June 5th, 1989, was just the beginning: her high school graduation. But when her name was called onstage to get her diploma, Nettie was nowhere to be found. Her family started to panic. Nettie was responsible, and it was highly unlike her to miss such an important event.

Their panic ended in tragedy when her body was recovered after a family search the next day. To this day, her case still remains unsolved.

Nettie’s brother, Peter Vasquez, and her cousin Doris, reflect on Nettie’s life, their frustrations with the slow moving investigation, and what they would say if they were face to face with her killer.

If you have any information on the murder of Nettie Melendez, I encourage you to call the Worcester Police Dept at 508-799-8466, text TIPWPD to CRIMES (274637), or submit an ⁠anonymous tip⁠.

This episode was originally published on 01/03/23.

Episode sources and photos: ⁠https://murdershetold.com/episodes/nettie-melendez⁠

Support the show: ⁠https://www.murdershetold.com/support⁠