Police, Family Search For Missing Henderson Woman

Melanie Sutton, 33, was last seen with her boyfriend near the wash, which leads into Lake Las Vegas. This is a very remote area deep in the desert.

The boyfriend believes Sutton fell in the water. Police believe she also went in the water, but her family is convinced she is the victim of a crime.

The missing mother was last seen early Friday morning. There are so many questions, few answers and there's still no sign of her.

Shana Sutton, Melanie's sister, said, "I was hoping I would not have to talk to her daughter, telling her she may not see her mom again."

Jerry Sutton rushed to Henderson from Texas when he got word his daughter was missing. The last four days have been one emotional ride. "Sadness, confusion and not knowing," he said.

Henderson police spent the weekend and Monday searching the banks of the Las Vegas Wash on foot and from the air.

Police spokesman Keith Paul said, "There is no crime. She either fell into the water or she went into the water on her own volition, as far as we can tell. We have no instances of foul play."

Detectives questioned Melanie's boyfriend, Joe Lopez. He was the last one with Melanie.

Jerry Sutton said, "I wouldn't leave anyone out there at three in the morning."

Police found no wrongdoing and Lopez says he did all he could.

That's little comfort for the Suttons. "I wouldn't take my dog out there and leave my dog. I would at least look for my dog and bring my dog back. This is a human being. This is a person of God," Jerry Sutton said.

The Suttons are holding out hope this week won't end in tragedy.

Police will continue to search. The family will also continue to look along the wash and through the desert.

The wash is located about two miles east of Boulder Highway.

Anyone with information is being asked to call Crimestoppers at 385-5555.