Celina Janette Mays, 12, went missing on December 16, 1996, from her Willingboro, New Jersey, home. She was nine months pregnant and her due date was only two weeks away. Despite extensive investigations, her whereabouts are unknown.
Celina Mays, the daughter of Crezonzo “C.J.” Mays and Lynn Vitale, was born on May 21, 1984, in Miami, Florida. After her mother died in 1994, Celina moved to Willingboro to live with her father, stepmother, and other relatives.
Celina’s aunt, Cerita Smith, led Gospel of Christ Ministries in Mount Holly, New Jersey, which the family was very involved in. Celina was homeschooled at the church, which was known for its strict teachings.
According to the Willingboro Police Department and the (NCMEC), Celina attended a church service with her family on December 15, 1996, and then returned home for ice cream before going to bed around 11 p.m.
The next morning, her 4-year-old stepsister discovered that Celina’s bed had been set up to appear as if she were still sleeping, but Celina was missing. Notably, she left behind personal items such as her purse and prenatal vitamins.
Celina’s father reported her disappearance on December 17, 1996. Authorities conducted extensive searches and pursued numerous leads, but no substantial evidence was discovered.
The baby’s father’s identity has not been disclosed. There was speculation about church members or family involvement, but there was no concrete evidence to back up these claims.
Celina Mays was 5’0″ and weighed 120 pounds when she disappeared. She is a biracial female (African American and Caucasian) with long, wavy black hair and brown eyes. Her brows grow together, which is a distinguishing feature.
Age-progressed images have been released to help with the search. Despite the passage of time, authorities and family members remain hopeful for information about Celina and her child.
Contact the Willingboro Police Department at 609-877-3001, or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).
The disappearance of Celina Mays remains a poignant reminder of unresolved cases that linger for decades, leaving families and communities searching for answers.
