The disappearance of Melissa Brannen occurred on December 3, 1989, at the Woodside Apartments in Lorton, Virginia, United States.

Caleb Daniel Hughes, a handyman for the complex, was convicted of abduction with the intent to defile and sentenced to 50 years in prison.

[4] On December 3, 1989, a Christmas party, with approximately 100 guests, was taking place at the apartment complex where Tammy Brannen lived with her daughter Melissa.

Police also took the red Honda Civic sedan which Hughes owned, and examined the passenger's seat for fiber evidence.

A polygraph examiner concluded that Hughes showed evidence of deception when questioned about his role in Melissa's disappearance.

Her husband explained the mileage as resulting from a side trip he took to purchase a 6-pack of beer and then taking a longer route home.

In any event, his story was improbable as he claimed to have gotten home around 12:30 AM—liquor stores in Virginia do not sell alcohol past midnight per state regulations.

[11][12] Caleb Daniel Hughes was released from prison for good behavior on August 2, 2019, having served 29 years of his 50-year sentence.

[15] Caleb Hughes was rearrested on May 31, 2024, for "violating sex offender special instructions... [which] included not having contact with anyone under the age of 18.