On the day she vanished, Darlene called her mother early in the morning. She mentioned needing a car repair and a manicure, and planned a move to Texas with her daughter later in the month to get away from Earl. She dropped her daughter off at daycare that day, and that was the last time anyone saw her.

Earl gave conflicting stories about her disappearance, changing his account multiple times. He initially said she left with all her belongings in another car, then claimed she took their daughter in her own car (which was still at home), and finally said she left in an unknown vehicle. He also claimed she called him after she disappeared, but this couldn’t be verified. Importantly, most of Darlene’s personal belongings were still in their home.

Earl died the following year. Because of his history of violence and the suspicious circumstances surrounding Darlene’s disappearance, her family suspects foul play. Despite the investigation, Darlene’s case remains unsolved.