Earlier that year, Monica accused Robert of sexually abusing her. While the police were initially involved, Deborah didn’t believe her daughter and the case was dropped. Michael also initially didn’t believe Monica, but later witnessed the abuse himself. This led to Robert and Deborah’s separation.

On the day they disappeared, Robert picked up Michael and Monica. They visited their aunt before disappearing. Robert gave conflicting stories about what happened, claiming they either ran away from his apartment or that he left them there and they vanished while he was gone. This contradicts witness accounts.

Suspicions point to Robert. He had a history of violence and controlling behavior, according to family. After the children disappeared, his car vanished, and he and Deborah moved to Alabama, leaving behind some of their family. Michael and Monica’s younger sisters reported seeing Robert searching for them near the apartment complex later that night. The apartment was almost completely empty.

For years, police treated the case as runaways. However, it’s now believed foul play was involved. Michael and Monica left behind no belongings and haven’t been seen or heard from since. Robert’s brother is also a person of interest due to his past with the family.