A brutal murder and infant abduction case that has haunted Virginia for over two decades reveals the devastating failure of our justice system to protect the most vulnerable among us.
Story Highlights
- 20-year-old Sylena Dalton was stabbed to death in her Virginia apartment on July 27, 1998
- Her 10-week-old daughter Allyson was abducted and remains missing after 27 years
- Police claim to have identified the killer but the case remains officially unsolved
- The infant would now be 27 years old if still alive
A Mother’s Nightmare Becomes Reality
Sylena Dalton was living every young mother’s dream and nightmare simultaneously in Strasburg, Virginia. The 20-year-old was caring for her 10-week-old daughter Allyson when evil struck their small apartment on July 27, 1998. Family members had seen both mother and baby alive that morning, but by afternoon, Sylena lay dead from multiple stab wounds and baby Allyson had vanished without a trace. The scene that greeted investigators represented one of the most heinous crimes imaginable.
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Investigation Spans Decades Without Justice
Virginia State Police have maintained an active investigation for over 26 years, yet justice remains elusive for the Dalton family. Daniel Pompell, Allyson’s father, visited the apartment that morning but received no answer when he knocked. He has cooperated fully with authorities throughout the investigation and has never been considered a suspect. The case highlights how our criminal justice system often fails families when they need it most, leaving them trapped in a nightmare of uncertainty and grief.
Claims of Breakthrough Lack Substance
Recent reports suggest police claim to have identified Sylena’s killer, yet no arrests have been announced and the case officially remains unsolved. This troubling disconnect raises serious questions about law enforcement transparency and competence. If authorities truly know who murdered this young mother and stole her baby, why hasn’t justice been served? Families deserve answers, not vague claims and continued delays that stretch across decades while evidence grows cold and memories fade.
https://www.facebook.com/SylenaAllysonDalton/
Missing Child Could Still Be Alive
Allyson Dalton would be 27 years old today if she survived the traumatic events of July 1998. The possibility that she could be living somewhere, unaware of her true identity and the circumstances of her disappearance, adds another layer of tragedy to this case. Infant abductions linked to homicides represent some of the most complex and emotionally devastating crimes, requiring sustained investigative effort and public awareness. The failure to resolve this case after nearly three decades reflects poorly on our ability to protect children and deliver justice to grieving families.
Sources:
Virginia State Police Cold Case: Sylena Dalton and Allyson Dalton