The disappearance of 12-year-old Melissa Fu and her mother, Amber Aiaz, on November 22, 2019, remains one of Irvine, California's most baffling mysteries. The circumstances surrounding their vanishing are marked by strange and disturbing details that have left investigators and the public alike searching for answers.
On that fateful day, Melissa was at home with her stepfather, Cheng Zhang, while Amber was driving back from Las Vegas. Around 4:30 p.m., Zhang opened the door to an unfamiliar man and woman. The woman sprayed Zhang with a substance that caused him to lose consciousness. When he awoke hours later, Melissa and Amber were gone, and there were unsettling signs of violence in the apartment.
Zhang found a note left by the abductors, written in Chinese, instructing him not to contact the police and to maintain his daily routine. The note promised the safe return of Amber and Melissa, which led Zhang to comply for several days, hoping for their return. After several more days with no sign of them, he finally reported the incident to the police on December 2, 2019.
As the investigation unfolded, it was revealed that Amber's claims of wealth were fabricated. This led to speculation that the abduction may have been financially motivated, possibly by someone who believed Amber had resources she did not. Investigators have considered various motives, but no clear answers have emerged.
Despite the unusual elements of Zhang's story, thorough investigations, including surveillance and polygraph tests, have not disproven his account. The case remains unsolved, with both Amber and Melissa still missing, leaving their family and the community in a state of anxiety and confusion.
One of the most puzzling aspects of this case is the identity of the abductors. Described as a man and woman of Chinese descent, both in their forties, they have yet to be identified. Despite numerous leads, including a possible connection to Amber's past, no conclusive evidence has been found. The FBI is offering a $10,000 reward for information that leads to their recovery.
While direct quotes are scarce, Cheng Zhang reportedly described the situation as "unbelievable" and expressed deep concern over his wife and stepdaughter's safety. Investigators have commented on the "strange" and "bizarre" nature of the case, with one official stating,
"This is one of the most unusual cases we've encountered in recent years."
Authorities continue to seek any information that could help solve this case. Anyone with relevant details is urged to contact the Irvine Police Department at 949-724-7000.