Mother Found Alive After 24 Years Arrested on Outstanding Order

Michele Hundley Smith was taken into custody on a DWI charge from 2001 that she failed to appear for in court.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A North Carolina woman who vanished in 2001 and was recently found alive has been arrested on an outstanding order related to a DWI charge from 25 years ago that she failed to appear in court for. Michele Hundley Smith, 62, was taken into custody by the Robeson County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday and has posted bond. She is scheduled to appear in Rockingham County District Court on March 26.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex issues that can arise when someone disappears for decades and is then found alive. While Smith's family is relieved she was located, the outstanding legal issues from her past have now resurfaced, raising questions about how to handle such situations and the impact on both the individual and their loved ones.

The details

Smith was 38 years old when she was reported missing in 2001, last known to have left her home in Eden, North Carolina to go Christmas shopping at a Kmart in Virginia and never returned. After 24 years, a tip on February 19, 2026 led police to make contact with Smith at an undisclosed location within North Carolina, where she was found alive and well. However, authorities then discovered she had an outstanding arrest order related to a DWI charge from November 2001 that she had failed to appear in court for.

  • Smith was reported missing in 2001 at the age of 38.
  • On November 11, 2001, Smith was issued a DWI charge by the Eden Police Department.
  • On December 27, 2001, Smith failed to appear in court for the DWI charge.
  • On February 19, 2026, a tip led police to make contact with Smith, who was found alive.
  • On February 20, 2026, police made contact with Smith and notified her family that she was found.

The players

Michele Hundley Smith

A 62-year-old woman who vanished from her home in Eden, North Carolina in 2001 and was recently found alive after 24 years.

Robeson County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that took Smith into custody on the outstanding arrest order.

Rockingham County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that originally investigated Smith's disappearance in 2001.

Amanda Smith

One of Smith's daughters who has been vocal in the search for her mother.

Eden Police Department

The law enforcement agency that issued the DWI charge against Smith in 2001.

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What they’re saying

“I will say that my mother chose her new life and we know she is alive, and for now that is enough.”

— Amanda Smith, Daughter of Michele Hundley Smith (Facebook)

“My dad has been through so many accusations since all the way back then. My father has been through so much and I want it made clear that while their marriage had issues (just as many marriages go through) that my mom did not leave simply bc of a bad marriage.”

— Amanda Smith, Daughter of Michele Hundley Smith (Facebook)

What’s next

The district attorney's office is conducting a full review of the case, and Smith is scheduled to appear in Rockingham County District Court on March 26 in relation to the outstanding DWI charge.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex emotional and legal issues that can arise when someone disappears for decades and is then found alive. While Smith's family is relieved she was located, the outstanding legal issues from her past have now resurfaced, raising questions about how to handle such situations and the lasting impact on both the individual and their loved ones.