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Is Taunton Dig Connected To 17-Year-Old Mystery?

TAUNTON (CBS) – A dig in the yard of a Taunton home may have been in connection with the mysterious disappearance of a woman who was reported missing nearly two decades ago.

On Thursday morning, police joined crews with heavy equipment to dig up a portion of the yard of a home on the corner of Ashleigh Terrace and Bryan Road.

The search involved a K-9 unit, and neighbor Sally Myatt says the dog went straight to one spot.

"The dog actually went to the big rock and he was around that rock and he was digging in a couple of places," Myatt said. "The cops came and digged a little more."

Taunton search
Excavator digs in front yard of home on Bryan Drive. (WBZ-TV)

Another neighbor Sally Gordon says she saw some people taking pictures.

"They took some pictures, random pictures here and there, but I didn't see them pull anything up," Gordon said.

Authorities have not confirmed, but the dig may reportedly be connected to the unsolved disappearance of Debbie Melo.

The district attorney had no comment on the investigation. Police only would tell people in the neighborhood that they received a tip that led them to the yard.

Taunton Dig Debbie Melo
Debbie Melo. (WBZ-TV)

The Taunton Daily Gazette reported that Steven DeMoura was watching the dig.

DeMoura is the former husband of Patricia White, whose sister Debbie Melo disappeared in June 2000.

Taunton Dig Debbie Melo
A missing poster for Debbie Melo, who has not been seen since June 2000. (WBZ-TV)

Melo's disappearance remains a mystery, and no one has been charged in her possible murder.

It did not appear anything was discovered during the dig. Dirt was put back in place by Thursday night and crews left the neighborhood.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Kim Tunnicliffe reports

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