Emerick was last seen in Seward, Alaska on July 7, 1973. She was a student at the Seward Skill Center (now called the Alaska Vocational Technical Center) and was last seen walking out of a dormitory laundry room. She has never been heard from again. All of Emerick's personal belongings, including her identification, were left behind. Her roommate searched for her for three days before reporting her disappearance to police.

Investigators believe the serial killer Robert Hansen may have been involved in Emerick's case. In 1984, he confessed to 17 murders and 30 rapes over the previous twelve years. He lead authorities to the grave sites, but only twelve bodies were recovered. A map in Hansen's home had marks on it matching the locations of his victims' bodies, but there were more than 17 marks on it, suggesting he had more victims then he disclosed. Most of the women he is known to have killed were prostitutes. Hansen admitted he was in Seward the day Emerick disappeared, but denied any involvement in her case. Nevertheless, police believe she was one of his victims. Hanson is now serving 461 years to life in prison for his crimes.

Emerick was born and raised in Delta Junction, Alaska. She enjoyed horses, motorcycles, rock music, and fishing and hunting on the Yukon River with her family. Her mother died in 1996, but her brothers are still alive and hope for a resolution. Her case remains unsolved.