Adam Walsh was only six years old when he was abducted from a Florida mall. Later, fishermen found a portion of Adam’s remains in a canal. The medical examiner says the child died from asphyxiation. Notorious serial killer Ottis Toole later confessed to the murder. Toole died in prison in 1996. He was never tried in connection with Adam’s slaying.

Although he was only a little boy, Adam left a lasting legacy: His parents, John and Reve’ Walsh, became advocates of child safety. John Walsh, the host of America’s Most Wanted, has long crusaded against violent criminals, but the single most important thing the Walsh family did following Adam’s death was to help found the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

NCMEC ( called Nick-Mick by most) aids police and other law enforcement agencies in their investigations of crimes against children. They also work with families to help find missing and abducted children. The NCMEC’s forensic art section is perhaps the best in the country, and their excellence in age progression technology has led to the identification and recovery of numerous kids.

Adam Walsh was the innocent victim of a vile and evil man, but he left a special legacy: His untimely death inspired his parents and a nation to make sure such a thing never again happens to another child.

Please visit the NCMEC at www.missingkids.com to learn more about this fine organization.