Left and Center: Donna circa, 1981
Right: Age Progressed to age 49
Vital Statistics at Time of Disappearance
Missing Since: March 18, 1981
Missing From: Lexington, Davidson County, North Carolina
Classification: Endangered Missing
Date Of Birth: April 19, 1967
Age: 13 years old
Height and Weight: 5’7″ and 125 pounds
Distinguishing Characteristics: Caucasian Female, Brown hair, Brown eyes, Donna has a mole or birthmark on her right arm
Clothing/Jewelry Description: A dark blue jacket, an orange sweater, and a pair of jeans
NCMEC Number: 600206
Details of Disappearance
Donna Barnhill was last seen leaving her family’s residence in Lexington, North Carolina on March 18th of 1981 at approximately 8:30 am. She had plans to walk to a friends home that was located nearby. She was last sighted on Hemstead Street. She never arrived to her friends house and was never seen or heard from again.
In 1966, Donna’s older sister, Anita, was said to have died in an accidental fall from her high chair. This statement was made by her family. In 1999, authorities reinvestigated Anita’s death. Her death was reclassified as a homicide by child abuse. The circumstances of Anita’s death does not change the classification of Donnas case.
Authorities searched her former residence in 2009 but found nothing. Both of her parents passed away in the years after her disappearance.
Foul play is possible in Barnhills case. She has three living siblings that live in the local area. Her case remains unsolved.
Investigating Agency
If you have any information concerning this case, please contact:
Lexington Police Department 336-249-8947
Source Information
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children