Melissa Erin Reiter

Left: Melissa circa, 1992

Right: Age Progressed to age 23


Vital Statistics at Time of Disappearance

Missing Since: May 23, 1992

Missing From: Little Neck, Queens County, New York

Classification: Family Abduction

Date Of Birth: January 17, 1991

Age: 1 year old

Height and Weight: 2’9″ and 30 pounds

Distinguishing Characteristics: Caucasian Female, Brown hair, Blue eyes, Melissa might use the last name “Shoken”

NCMEC Number: 770694


Details of Disappearance

Melissa was abducted by her non-custodial mother, Beth Shari Reiter, from Little Neck, New York on May 23rd 1992. She did this after the courts gave custody to Melissa’s father.

Beth was born on December 23rd 1961, she was 30 years old when she abducted her daughter. She’s described as being Caucasian and stood at 5’3″ and weighed 110 pounds. She has blonde hair and blue eyes. She might also use the last name Shoken. Investigators believe that both subjects may still be in the New York area.

Neither Beth or Melissa have been seen since they disappeared. Their whereabouts remain a mystery.


Investigating Agency

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

New York City Police Department 212-374-6918


Source Information

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

For The Lost

The Charley Project

The Doe Network

NamUs