Missing mom found alive after vanishing 24 years ago

Authorities say Michelle Hundely Smith, reported missing in December 2001, was located alive in North Carolina on Feb. 20 after detectives received new information; her location is being kept private and the motive for her disappearance remains unknown.

A North Carolina woman who was reported missing in December 2001 has been located alive, ending a 24-year inquiry. Michelle Hundely Smith was 38 when she was reported missing after leaving her Eden home to go Christmas shopping and not returning. Her vehicle was never found and multiple state and federal agencies investigated the case over many years. Detectives received new information and made contact with Smith on Feb. 20; officials say she is alive and asked that her location remain undisclosed. Known details: - Michelle Hundely Smith was reported missing on Dec. 9, 2001, after leaving her home to shop in Martinsville, Virginia. - An extensive, multiagency investigation followed in North Carolina and Virginia, including work by the State Bureau of Investigation, the DEA and the FBI. - Detectives say they received information that led to contact with Smith on Feb. 20 in North Carolina. - Officials report Smith was found "alive and well" at an undisclosed location and that her family has been notified. - Authorities have not announced a motive for her disappearance. Summary: The locating of Smith brings closure to a long-standing missing person case and has produced mixed emotions among relatives who had continued to search and keep her name public. Officials have respected Smith's request to withhold her location and have not released information about a motive. Undetermined at this time.