Kelly Juanita Staples

Left: Kelly circa, 1980

Right: Age Progressed to age 41


Vital Statistics at Time of Disappearance

Missing Since: January 8, 1980

Missing From: Chicago, Cook County, Illinois

Classification: Non-Family Abduction

Date Of Birth: July 28, 1973

Age: 6 years old

Height and Weight: 3’0″ and 42 pounds

Distinguishing Characteristics: African American Female, Black hair, Brown eyes, Kelly has a birthmark on the left portion of her chest

Clothing/Jewelry Description: A brown/white striped cap, a brown scarf, a red plaid coat, blue jeans and blue rubber boots

NCMEC Number: 601910


Details of Disappearance

Kelly Juanita Staples was last seen as she walked to her elementary school on January 8th 1980 in Chicago, Illinois. The school was located in the area of 73rd and Merrill. She was last seen in the morning hours.

In 1992, a serial killer confessed to abducting and murdering Kelly and several other women and missing girls. It was later found out that his confession was false and he is not a suspect in Kelly’s disappearance.

Little information is available regarding her disappearance but authorities suspect that Kelly was abducted by a non family member while walking to school. Her case remains unsolved.


Investigating Agency

If you have any information concerning this case, please contact:

Chicago Police Department 312-744-8385


Source Information

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

The Charley Project

The Doe Network

NamUs