A significant development in a decades-old abduction case has emerged from Florida, where a woman discovered to be abducted as a child in Kentucky has been found alive. Michelle Newton, who was born in 1983 and went missing at the age of three, was located living under a different identity.
Kentucky Girl Abducted 40 Years Ago Found Alive
Michelle Newton vanished on April 2, 1983, from Louisville, Kentucky. At that time, her mother, Debra Newton, claimed they were moving for a job opportunity. Both mother and daughter disappeared without a trace.
Arrest of Debra Newton
Debra Newton, now 66, became a fugitive after being indicted for custodial interference and was listed among the FBI’s Top 8 Most Wanted parental-kidnapping fugitives. Although the case against her was dismissed in 2000 due to lack of evidence to locate Michelle’s father, it was reopened in 2016 at the request of a family member.
A recent breakthrough occurred in 2025 when detectives received a crucial tip through Crime Stoppers. This led them to identify Debra living as “Sharon” in Marion County, Florida.
Discovery and DNA Confirmation
Debra had remarried and built a new life in The Villages with her husband. Officials used DNA samples from Debra’s sister to confirm her identity officially. Meanwhile, Michelle had been unaware of her abduction, living under an assumed identity. Upon learning the truth, she reached out to the sheriff’s office.
Michelle’s Reunion and the Arrest
Michelle has since reunited with her father and extended family. In November, local deputies took action to arrest Debra at her home while she was conversing with a neighbor and walking her dog.
- Debra Newton faced charges of custodial interference, which has no statute of limitations.
- She was extradited to Kentucky to stand trial for the longstanding case.
Colonel Healey of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office emphasized the importance of community involvement in solving such cases, stating, “One phone call can change a life.” This incident highlights not only the enduring impact of abduction cases but also the critical role that tips from the public can play in achieving justice.
