Still Searching for Deanna: 35 Years Later, a Texas Family Continues the Fight for Answers
- awildridecalledlife
- Nov 4
- 2 min read
By Annette Whittenberger | A Wild Ride Called Life Media
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Renewed Efforts and Advocacy Shine Light on 35-Year-Old Missing Child Case in Killeen, Texas
Killeen, Texas — Thirty-five years after 13-year-old Deanna Merryfield vanished from Killeen, Texas, renewed search efforts and strengthened advocacy networks are bringing long-overdue attention to her case.
Deanna disappeared in the early hours of July 22, 1990, from the Oak Springs Trailer Park. Last seen near her twin sister’s residence, she is believed to have left with two unidentified men in a brown or bronze vehicle. Initially labeled a runaway, her case did not receive immediate urgency — a factor family advocates say contributed to decades of delay.
In June 2025, a coordinated search was conducted for the first time in the case’s history, supported by a Killeen Police Department detective, Team Texas K9s, and community volunteers. The search examined multiple areas of interest and marked a major milestone in efforts to uncover new information.
“This renewed effort represents more than one family’s fight,” said Annette Whittenberger, Founder of A Wild Ride Called Life Media. “It highlights a national need to re-examine cases where missing children were initially labeled runaways and to bring attention to families still searching for truth.”
Deanna’s sister, Melissa Twardowski, continues working alongside national advocates and fellow families of the missing. Key support has come from The Advocacy Conference, co-founded by Eric Carter-Landin, Whitney St. André, and Melissa Leinweber, a victim-focused initiative providing peer support, resource sharing, and monthly virtual sessions for families navigating unresolved cases.
Whitney St. André has also played a pivotal role in awareness efforts for Deanna, designing flyers, organizing community support initiatives, distributing materials at events, and helping coordinate a candlelight vigil in July.
Call for Information Anyone with information regarding Deanna Merryfield’s disappearance is urged to contact: 📞 Killeen Police Department: (254) 501-8830 📞 Anonymous Tip Line: 1-844-MIA-LOST (1-844-642-5678)
About A Wild Ride Called Life Media A Wild Ride Called Life Media is a veteran-founded investigative and advocacy platform focused on elevating real-life stories, community action, and systemic accountability.
Media Contact: Annette Whittenberger annette@awildridecalledlife.com
Anonymous tips are accepted.
Photo & Case Details
Name: Deanna Merryfield
Age at Disappearance: 13
Date Missing: July 22, 1990
Location: Killeen, Texas
Height: 5'2"
Weight: ~108 lbs
Hair: Blonde
Eyes: Blue
Distinguishing Feature: Small scar on upper lip
About A Wild Ride Called Life Media
A Wild Ride Called Life Media is a veteran-founded independent media platform focused on elevating human stories, investigative reporting, and community advocacy. Through journalism, multimedia storytelling, and collaborative awareness campaigns, the company highlights stories of resilience, public accountability, and the pursuit of truth.
For media inquiries or information, contact: annette@awildridecalledlife.com
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