STRASBURG, Va. (WVEC) -- Virginia State Police have released a photo composite of an infant that went missing after her mother was murdered nearly 20 years ago.
According to the Criminal Investigation's Culpeper Field Office, then 2-month-old Allyson Dalton disappeared on July 27, 1998.
Baby Allyson had last been seen with her mother, Sylena Jo Dalton, at their apartment that morning.
That afternoon one of Dalton's co-workers found her stabbed to death on a couch inside the home. Baby Allyson was missing, along with several baby bottles.
Neighbors didn't hear any screaming that morning and no weapons were found in the apartment.
"Since the beginning of this case 19 years ago, it has been a challenging one because of the complexities of it involving both a homicide and an infant disappearing without a trace,” said Capt. Gary Wilson, Commander of the VSP BCI Culpeper Field Office. “We do believe little Allyson was abducted by whoever murdered her mother. We are hopeful that someone will feel safe enough to come forward now, after all these years, and help bring a murderer and kidnapper to justice. Sylena and Allyson’s family deserves the truth and closure they’ve been so desperately seeking for the past 19 years.”
Baby Allyson's father was not living with the family at the time of the abduction and murder. He has cooperated with police over the years.
State police released a photo composite of what they believe baby Allyson may look like now at 19-years-old.
If you recognize the girl in the age-progression photo, please contact State police at 1-888-300-0156, or dial #77 on a cell phone, or email questions@vsp.virginia.gov.
