Cynthia resided in the 10700 block of Georgia Avenue in Wheaton, Maryland at the time of her disappearance. On June 30, 2003, she called her father in Brazil like she did every day. Since that conversation she has not been seen or heard from. Most of her family lives in Brazil, but Cynthia's sister lives in the Wheaton area. She has not had contact with Cynthia since her disappearance.

Roberto Braga, Cynthia's husband, is considered a person of interest in her disappearance. In 2006, he was charged with first-degree assault after he allegedly threatened his girlfriend with a knife. The case was later dropped and he has never been linked to Cynthia's disappearance. Her case remains unsolved and foul play is suspected.