As of today, 28 children are listed as missing from Louisiana with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), with cases spanning from 1971 to 2026. One of the most enduring cases involves Cassandra Ann “Candy” Lalonde, who disappeared from Westwego, Louisiana, in 1988. She would be 53 years old today, and age-progressed images have been released to help the public identify her.
Background of the Case
Cassandra was 15 years old when she went missing. She lived in Westwego, Jefferson Parish, but was known to spend time in Buras, Louisiana, roughly an hour and 17 minutes away. Classified as an endangered missing person, Cassandra reportedly smoked cigarettes at the time of her disappearance.
Physical Description
When she vanished, Cassandra was 5’3” tall and weighed approximately 130 pounds. She had brown hair and brown eyes, pierced ears, and a noticeable scar near one of her knees.
Disappearance Details
Cassandra was last seen in December 1988 when she allegedly left with a man named David on a motorcycle or motorbike, reportedly heading toward Alabama. She left her purse, cigarettes, and personal belongings behind, which has raised questions about whether she left willingly or was coerced.
In July 1988, someone claiming to be a man named Salvatore contacted her family. He said he worked on a seafood boat in Buras and had taken Cassandra to Mobile, Alabama, in a rural area with no neighbors nearby. Salvatore claimed that Cassandra had left after an argument, leaving her belongings behind. It remains unclear whether David and Salvatore were the same person.
Family Insight
Cassandra’s youngest brother shared details on Websleuths in 2023. He was seven when she disappeared and described their family as having a “very complex situation.” Cassandra and her siblings had spent time in and out of foster care, and he said the family believes she may have been killed by Salvatore, who was a fisherman and could have disposed of her in the Gulf.
Her brother emphasized that Cassandra would not have stayed away from her mother and siblings voluntarily. Multiple searches, including property excavations in Alabama, have been conducted without success.
Official Records and Investigation
Cassandra is listed with the Westwego Police Department, NamUs (case #MP25127), The Doe Network (case #3848DFLA), and the NCMEC. DNA has been submitted to assist with potential future identification.
Authorities urge anyone with information regarding Cassandra’s disappearance to contact the Westwego Police Department at 1-504-227-1400, referencing agency case number F-08323-14.
