Left and Right: Merrianna as a child (photo 1), Merrianna at age four (photo 2), Merrianna as a toddler (photo 3) and infant (photo 4)
Vital Statistics at Time of Disappearance
Missing Since: April 3, 1988
Missing From: Hoopa, Humboldt County, California
Classification: Endangered Missing
Date Of Birth: September 19, 1979
Age: 8 years old
Height and Weight: 3’6″ – 3’8″ and 75-80 pounds
Distinguishing Characteristics: White female, Blonde hair, Brown eyes, some agencies spell Merrianna’s name as “Merrianne”
Details of Disappearance
Merrianna was last seen in Hoopa, California on April 3rd 1988 with her mother, Marilyn Virginia Royce who was 41 years old at the time. The pair were never seen or heard from again after this.
Two weeks later, Marilyn’s vehicle which was described as a maroon 1980 AMC Eagle station was found on Onion Mountain Road near Fish Lake on April 16th. A note found with the car indicated the pair intended to return for the vehicle. The car appeared to have possibly gotten stuck in the snow.
Despite the car and note’s discovery, Marilyn and her daughter weren’t reported as missing until May 17th. On July 11th 1988, Marilyn’s remains were discovered in the Bluff Creek drainage on Onion Mountain in Del Norte County, California. She was determined to have died from exposure. Despite extensive searches of the area, no trace of Merrianna was found.
She is believed to be deceased but her remains have never been located.
Investigating Agency
If you have any information concerning this case, please contact:
Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office 707-445-7251
Source Information
Find A Grave – Merrianna Virginia McFarland Royce
Find A Grave – Marilyn Virginia Royce