Updated August 2026
Megan Garner was just 3 years old when she disappeared from Tyler, Texas, on March 27, 1991. Decades later, her disappearance remains an enduring missing-child case, and her family has continued to hope for answers.
Megan’s mother, Melanie Jackson, remembered her daughter as energetic and bright. At only 3 years old, Megan was already learning to write and spell and loved playing with her toys, running around, and spending time with other children, especially her two older siblings.
“Even though her siblings were older, Megan made sure that she was getting plenty of attention,” Melanie said.
Understanding what happened that day—and keeping Megan’s story visible—may help ensure that information about her disappearance continues reaching people who could know something.
The Day Megan Garner Disappeared
On March 27, 1991, during spring break in Tyler, Texas, Megan’s mother, Melanie Jackson, arranged for Megan’s aunt and cousins to visit. While the adults remained inside the apartment, Megan went with her brother and cousins to a nearby playground.
Melanie recalled that Megan had only recently been allowed to go to the playground with her cousins and siblings. The playground was located immediately next to their apartment, only a short distance away.
Around 11:15 a.m., Megan returned to the apartment to get a snack and take some food back to the playground for the other children. About 10 minutes later, the other children returned to the apartment without her.
Melanie recalled that the other children believed Megan had returned to the apartment and was with her mother. When Melanie realized Megan was not with them, she immediately began searching for her.
The Search for Megan
When Melanie could not find Megan, she contacted law enforcement and reported her missing. An extensive search followed, but investigators were unable to locate witnesses who had seen Megan leave the area or anyone who reported seeing anything suspicious.
Megan Garner’s Case Remains Unsolved
Megan Elizabeth Garner disappeared from Tyler, Texas, on March 27, 1991. More than three decades later, her case remains unresolved.
Over the years, law enforcement has received and investigated leads concerning Megan’s disappearance, but the information available when this article was originally published had not resulted in answers about what happened to her.
Megan’s family has continued to hope that someone with information will come forward. Her mother, Melanie, shared a simple message for her daughter:
“Megan, we love you and we are still searching for you.”
Melanie has not given up hope that one day she will see her daughter again.
Megan Garner’s Age-Progressed Image
Megan Elizabeth Garner is now 38 years old. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) currently displays an age-progressed image depicting what Megan may look like as an adult.
Megan has brown hair and brown eyes and is described as having noticeable shadows beneath her eyes. Keeping her age-progressed image visible may help someone recognize her or remember information connected to her disappearance.
Do You Have Information About Megan Garner?
Megan Elizabeth Garner remains listed as missing. If you have information that could help investigators determine what happened to Megan or where she may be, please contact:
Tyler Police Department: 903-531-1000
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children: 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678)
Megan’s NCMEC case number is 752334. Even if information seems insignificant or many years have passed, potentially relevant information should be reported to the appropriate authorities.
View Megan Elizabeth Garner’s current NCMEC missing-child poster.
Learn More About Helping When a Child Is Missing
If a child has recently disappeared, read our What to Do When a Child Goes Missing: 10 Immediate Steps guide. You can also learn what information should be included on a missing child poster when accurate public distribution is appropriate.
Help Keep Missing Children’s Faces Visible
Photo Find MCC works to raise awareness about missing and exploited children and the importance photographs can have in helping bring missing children home. Your support helps continue these awareness and poster-distribution efforts.