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The Bizarre Disappearance of Genelle Princess Bradford



17-year-old Genelle Princess Bradford had a bright future ahead of her in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Genelle attended Wilkinsburg High School, where she was an honour student. In April 1999, Genelle was just a month shy of graduating and turning 18. Everything was beginning to work out in her favour, but Genelle’s life was slowly unravelling behind the scenes. Genelle would never get to attend prom or graduate as she disappeared just weeks before.


Born May 10th 1981, Genelle was noted as a shy and reserved young woman, a product of her respectful upbringing. When she was 5 years old, tragedy struck, and her mother died from a heart attack. Genelle was then entrusted into the care of her grandparents, Princess and Ira Bradford, who raised Genelle with a strong sense of morals and manners.


Despite the tough start to her life, Genelle flourished, and her grandparents quickly discovered her academic talents. She excelled at school, becoming an honours student and topping the tables. She had a good group of friends and was not the sort of 17-year-old to get herself into trouble. In April 1999, prom was fast approaching, with Genelle and friends making final preparations for the big day.


April 27th 1999, was just another school day as far as the Bradfords were concerned. Genelle arrived at Wilkinsburg High School bright and early and attended all of her classes for the day. As she flitted between classes, Genelle spoke with her friends, and they all agreed that nothing seemed wrong. At 3 PM, the bell rang, and the students hastily shuffled out of the building.


After school, Genelle headed to the YWCA on Ross Avenue, where she worked part-time. Hours later, she left the YWCA and walked toward her home but never made it. The following day, she was reported missing to the Wilkinsburg Police Department, and an investigation was launched.


Genelle lived a picture-perfect life; at least, that’s how things appeared. In the months before she disappeared, her grades had slipped, and she was not doing her homework. This was contrary to the Genelle everyone knew, who was obsessed with grades and homework. The Wilkinsburg Police Department suggested Genelle may have left of her own volition, an idea supported by her grandmother, Princess Bradford.


Princess later told investigators she believed it was possible, although not likely, that Genelle had run off to be with a boyfriend. Although Genelle showed no symptoms, Princess even flirted with the possibility of an unplanned pregnancy. Genelle’s friends do not believe she ran away — she was excited about prom, graduation and college applications. She had everything on a platter and no excuse to run.


Despite large-scale investigations throughout Wilkinsburg, there has been no sign of Genelle Princess Bradford. Her family hopes she is somewhere out there, waiting to make contact. Genelle Princess Bradford is described as a Black female with black hair and eyes, 5’3” to 5’4” and 96 lbs. Her ears are pierced, and she was last seen wearing a green jacket, white shirt, tan pants and black platform shoes. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Wilkinsburg Police Department at 412–244–2913, quoting case number 99020316.



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