3 Fort Worth girls still missing 50 years later

FORT WORTH, Texas - Three Fort Worth girls went Christmas shopping in the 1970s and were never heard from again. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children continues to make sure they aren't forgotten, even half a century later.

This past holiday season marks 50 years since the disappearance of Mary Rachel Trlica, 17; Lisa Renee Wilson, 14; and Julie Ann Moseley, 9. They were last seen on Dec. 23, 1974.

NCMEC has age-progressed photos of them. 

"We really try to ensure that no missing child case is ever forgotten by the public, no matter how long-term it is," Leemie Kahng-Sofer with NCMEC said.

Mary Rachel Trlica, 17; Lisa Renee Wilson, 14; and Julie Ann Moseley, 9; were last seen on Dec. 23, 1974

NCMEC usually makes age-progressing photos every two years after a child goes missing until they turn 18, then every five years as an adult. 

As the years go on, it can become more difficult for families without answers. 

"It's obviously heartbreaking and distressing for everybody. We also have a situation where some of the parents in these cases have passed away without knowing what happened to their children, and that is absolutely tragic," Kahng-Sofer said.

MORE MISSING IN TEXAS STORIES:

• Lina Sardar Khil: San Antonio girl, last seen at playground, still missing after three years
• Missing in Texas: 2024 wrap-up of Texas' most notable missing persons stories
• San Antonio nonprofit supports families of missing, murdered loved ones

No matter how long a case has gone on, the awareness doesn't stop.

According to NCMEC, 117 kids have been recovered after being missing for a decade or more between 2021 and 2023.

"We never forget about a missing child, no matter how long time has passed. We try to continue to assist in the search as long as it takes. We don't give up hope," Kahng-Sofer said. "We know that it could take just one person with information, one development to break a case wide open. We maintain that hope for this trio."

If you have any information, call 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) or the Fort Worth Police Department at 817-335-4222.