A Long Fight: The Disappearance of Melissa Ann Montoya, Part 2

We continue our coverage of the disappearance of Melissa Ann Montoya. On St. Patrick's Day 2001, 42-year-old Melissa Montoya joined her loved ones at the Apache House of Liquor in Dulce, New Mexico—a town located in the Jicarilla Apache Nation Reservation. It was the last time that her friends and family ever saw her. Since then, lawyer and advocate Darlene Gomez has been fighting alongside her family for justice for Melissa--and for resolution in her case.

2026 Update: The unidentified person considered as a possible match for Melissa has been ruled out. However, law enforcement is seeking to speak with anyone who was with her on the night she disappeared.

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In July, we are revisiting cold cases that still need your attention.

If you have any information regarding Melissa's case, please contact the Jicarilla Apache Nation Police Department at 575-759-3222.

Season 19 focused on New Mexico and on the cases of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons/Missing/ Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives (MMIP/MMIWR) whose loved ones are still fighting for resolution in their cases.

Darlene Gomez's nonprofit: https://www.mmiwr.org/

Angels' Voices Silenced No More: https://www.angelsvoicesnm.org/

The Fall Line® is an investigative true crime podcast focused on cold cases, unsolved murders, missing persons, and unidentified John and Jane Does in the United States. We deliver in-depth reporting and interviews with law enforcement and forensic experts, examining unsolved homicides, disappearances, serial crimes, and the evidence behind them. Victim-centered and research-driven, we focus on cases still seeking answers.

Learn more about our cold-case coverage at our Episode Guide

Submit a case to The Fall Line: https://www.thefalllinepodcast.com/case-submissions

Laurah's book LAY THEM TO REST: https://www.hachettebooks.com/titles/laurah-norton/lay-them-to-rest/9780306828805/

Sources at our website: https://www.thefalllinepodcast.com/sources

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