Boston, February 3, 2026
The Boston Police Department is actively searching for 17-year-old Mela Rosario, who has been missing since January 29. She was last seen near the Brockton Family Courthouse and did not return home as expected. The BPD is appealing to the community for information regarding her whereabouts, emphasizing that even small details can be crucial in locating her safely.
Boston
The city of Boston reaches out with a familiar plea, seeking the public’s aid in locating a vulnerable young person, as the Boston Police Department (BPD) continues its active search for 17-year-old Mela Rosario, who has been missing from Dorchester since late last week. Her disappearance, reported on the evening of Thursday, January 29, 2026, has prompted community alerts issued in recent days by law enforcement, underscoring the enduring reliance on collective vigilance when a member of the community is lost from sight.
Mela Rosario was last observed on January 29, 2026, at approximately 11:30 AM, following a court appearance at the Brockton Family Courthouse. She was expected to return to her residence on Thornley Street in Dorchester by 10:00 PM that same evening, a return that, regrettably, never materialized. Her family, with a natural concern that deepens with each passing hour, reported her missing around 11:00 PM on the night she vanished.
Details of Disappearance and Description
The Boston Police Department has provided specific descriptors to assist in her location. Mela Rosario is described as approximately 5 feet 1 inch tall, possessing brown skin and brown eyes, with medium-length brown hair that includes a blonde streak. When she was last seen, she was dressed in a pink jacket, black leggings, and brown Ugg boots, and was wearing glasses with clear black frames. These details, small in their individual measure, collectively form the fabric of her last known presence, offering a tangible point of reference for those who might hold a piece of the unfolding story.
The search for a missing child evokes a particular kind of quiet anxiety within a community, a shared sense that the ordered rhythms of daily life are momentarily suspended until the lost are found. Each alert issued by authorities is not merely an administrative notice but a call to the innate human capacity for care and observation. The police emphasize that even the smallest piece of information, seemingly insignificant, can prove crucial in piecing together the narrative of a disappearance and guiding efforts toward a safe return.
Community’s Role in Assisting Authorities
The BPD has made a direct appeal to the public, urging anyone with knowledge of Mela Rosario’s current whereabouts to come forward. The pathways for providing assistance are clearly delineated to ensure accessibility for all who might contribute. Citizens are encouraged to contact 911 in urgent situations or to reach out directly to the District C-11 Detectives at (617) 343-4335. For those who prefer to offer information without disclosing their identity, anonymous tips can be submitted by calling 1-800-494-TIPS (8477), by texting the word “TIP” to CRIME (27463), or through the Boston Police CrimeStoppers website. These options underscore an understanding of the delicate nature of community cooperation, offering both direct and discreet avenues for support.
The days following a disappearance are often marked by an interplay of hope and measured patience. While law enforcement diligently applies its resources and investigative protocols, the collective eyes and ears of the public often serve as an indispensable extension of these efforts. The desire for Mela Rosario’s safe return is a sentiment held across Dorchester and beyond, a quiet testament to the enduring bonds of a community that understands the profound importance of every life within its care. The careful gathering of facts, combined with a compassionate outreach to the public, represents the principled approach to such solemn matters, reflecting a steady commitment to the search for what is lost.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When was Mela Rosario last seen?
Mela Rosario was last seen on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at approximately 11:30 AM.
Where was Mela Rosario last seen?
She was last seen following a court appearance at the Brockton Family Courthouse.
When was Mela Rosario reported missing?
Her family reported her missing around 11:00 PM on Thursday, January 29, 2026.
What is Mela Rosario’s description?
Mela Rosario is approximately 5 feet 1 inch tall, with brown skin, brown eyes, and medium-length brown hair with a blonde streak.
What was Mela Rosario wearing when last seen?
She was last seen wearing a pink jacket, black leggings, brown Ugg boots, and glasses with clear black frames.
How can the public provide information to the Boston Police Department?
Anyone with information is urged to contact 911, District C-11 Detectives at (617) 343-4335, or provide anonymous tips via 1-800-494-TIPS (8477), texting “TIP” to CRIME (27463), or the Boston Police CrimeStoppers website.
Key Features of the Missing Person Alert for Mela Rosario
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Mela Rosario | Local |
| Age | 17 years old | Local |
| Last Seen Date | January 29, 2026 | Local |
| Last Seen Time | Approximately 11:30 AM | Local |
| Last Known Location | Brockton Family Courthouse (last observed), Thornley Street home in Dorchester (expected return) | Local |
| Reported Missing Date | January 29, 2026 | Local |
| Residence | Dorchester, Boston, Massachusetts | Local |
| Height | 5 feet 1 inch | Local |
| Skin Color | Brown | Local |
| Eye Color | Brown | Local |
| Hair Description | Medium-length brown hair with a blonde streak | Local |
| Last Known Attire | Pink jacket, black leggings, brown Ugg boots, glasses with clear black frames | Local |
| Police Department Involved | Boston Police Department (BPD) | Local |
| Primary Contact for Tips | District C-11 Detectives at (617) 343-4335 | Local |
| Anonymous Tip Line | 1-800-494-TIPS (8477) | Local |
| Anonymous Tip Text | Text “TIP” to CRIME (27463) | Local |
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Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
