About this episode

The episode discusses the disappearance of Melissa Ann Montoya and the ongoing fight for justice by her family and advocate Darlene Gomez.

On St. Patrick's Day 2001, 42-year-old Melissa Ann Montoya joined her loved ones at the Apache House of Liquor in Dulce, New Mexico—a town located in the Jicarilla Apache Nation Reservation. It was the last time that her friends and family ever saw her. Since then, lawyer and advocate Darlene Gomez has been fighting alongside her family for justice for Melissa--and for resolution in her case. 2026 Update: The unidentified person considered as a possible match for Melissa has been ruled out. However, law enforcement is seeking to speak with anyone who was with her on the night she disappeared. Shopify: You don't need anyone's approval to make a living. Build your own business with a free trial at shopify.com/fall In July, we are revisiting cold cases that still need your attention. If you have any information regarding Melissa's case, please contact the Jicarilla Apache Nation Police Department at 575-759-3222. Season 19 focused on New Mexico and on the cases of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons/Missing/ Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives (MMIP/MMIWR) whose loved ones are still fighting for resolution in their cases. Darlene Gomez's non profit…

People in this episode

Host: The Fall Line®

Guest: Darlene Gomez

Topics covered

• disappearance
• cold case
• missing persons
• Indigenous issues
• justice
• advocacy

Keywords

• Melissa Ann Montoya
• Darlene Gomez
• missing persons
• cold case
• Indigenous women
• justice
• New Mexico

Sponsors

Shopify

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Jicarilla Apache Nation Police Department, Angels' Voices Silenced No More

Places: Dulce, New Mexico, Jicarilla Apache Nation Reservation

More episodes of The Fall Line: True Crime

• Come Home: The Disappearance of Calvin Willie Martinez, Part 2 · July 8, 2026 · 44 min
• An Aching Heart: The Disappearance of Calvin Willie Martinez · July 1, 2026 · 43 min
• Unsolved Michigan: Cold Cases · June 24, 2026 · 42 min
• Everyone's Daughter: The Disappearance of Arden Pepion, Part 2 · June 17, 2026 · 39 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The Fall Line: True Crime podcast page.