Coates was last seen in Warner Robins, Georgia on April 9, 1988. Her boyfriend, Terrence Eugene Mobley, reported her missing, saying he last saw her at the Houston Mall. She has never been heard from again. At the time of her disappearance, Coates was a cadet with the Warner Robins Police Department.

In January 2010, police announced they were satisfied that Coates had been murdered and her body buried. Mobley, who is currently serving a life sentence in prison for another, unrelated murder, told them Coates went to the house in Hawkinsville, Georgia that she had once shared with him, and was killed there. A photo of Mobley is posted below this case summary. He stated his ex-girlfriend committed the actual murder and he only disposed of the body. Mobley claims he buried Coates off Industrial Boulevard in Hawkinsville. Investigators dug in the area for days but couldn't find any evidence. They believe heavy rains may have washed the remains away.

Authorities stated they expect charges to be brought in Coates's presumed homicide. Her disappearance remains unsolved and foul play is suspected.

Above: Terrence Mobley