Her Mother Confessed to Killing her, but later Recanted: The Disappearance of Marlena Danyele Childress
On April 16, 1987, Marlena Danyele Childress disappeared from her home in Union City, Tennessee. Weeks later, her mother Pamela Bailey confessed to killing the 4-year-old, but later recanted.
What happened to Marlena?
Marlena Danyele Childress was born to Pamela L. Bailey and Kevin M. Childress on February 17, 1983. Two years later, in 1985, Pam and Kevin divorced. Despite the divorce, Kevin remained actively involved in Marlena’s life, spending time with her every other weekend.
In January 1986, Pamela married Johnny L. Bailey. The newly formed family, consisting of Pamela, Johnny, and 3-year-old Marlena, relocated to Union City, Tennessee, to be closer to Johnny’s workplace. In February 1987, Marlena’s half-brother, Damon, was born.
The family resided in a modest brick home in the northern part of Union City. According to Pamela, Marlena cherished their small home and often played without supervision in the unfenced front yard.
