This Sunday, as many across the country celebrate Mothers Day, one local family will spend it remembering the child they lost 36 years ago on May 10th, 1990. For them, the grief has never faded, and the search for justice has ne ver stopped.Jessica is loved, we have not forgotten her. I have gone on with my life by the grace of God, Nellie Mesa, Jessica's mother, said.Its a case that has stayed with Bakersfield for nearly four decades. On May 10th, 1990, 4-year-old Jessica Martinez was abducted while playing outside her apartment. 11 days later, her body was found in a cotton field. Now in 2026, her family is still searching for answers.Jessica she had just turned 4, my only daughter. She loved me, loved her brothers dearly. I only had her for 4 years, but I still remember her I can still hear her little voice, Nellie Mesa said.Jessica disappeared while playing outside her familys apartment complex in Bakersfield. Her disappearance sparked a massive search effort that gained national attention. Now, 36 years later, her killer has never been found. How is it that somebody can just take a child, do what they did, kill her, dump her out in a field... and get away with it? Just like that who in the heck can do that and get away with it? Nellie Mesa said.Throughout the years, one name has continued to come up in the investigation, Christopher Lightsey. Lightsey lived in the same apartment complex as Jessica when she disappeared in 1990, and investigators have called him a person of interest in the case. Detectives say DNA found on Jessicas shoes did not match Lightsey, but they have never fully ruled him out.Lightsey is currently on death row for a separate 1993 murder case in Kern County, where he was convicted of killing a 76-year-old man.Through the years, Nellie, Jessicas mother, and her family have continued to push for answers. Taking part in victim's rights events and keeping Jessicas memory alive. With Mothers Day coming up, Nellie says the fight for justice never stops. I am her mother I am her voice. I get very nervous doing interviews like this but if I dont speak, how are we going to get justice for Jessica? Thats my job. And if I cant speak out, then Im not doing my job as a mother.While decades have passed since Jessicas death, her family says they still believe someone out there knows what happened.I try and live a good life, I try and live a happy life but I am sad. You just never get over the loss of a child, Nellie Mesa said.Bakersfield Police say Jessica Martinezs case is still open and after 36 years, theyre urging anyone with even the smallest piece of information to come forward.Stay in Touch with Us Anytime, Anywhere: Download Our Free App for Apple and Android Sign Up for Our Daily E-mail Newsletter Like Us on Facebook Follow Us on Instagram Subscribe to Us on YouTube ...read more read less