Kahler was last seen at a swimming hole in western Erie County, Pennsylvania on June 24, 2002. She was in the company of a David Sherman Heck at the time. A photograph of Heck is posted below this case summary. He is a friend of Kahler's boyfriend. While Kahler and Heck were at the swimming pool, there was apparently a confrontation with Heck's ex-girlfriend. Heck claims he took Kahler to an ice cream stand and then dropped her off to see a movie at West Erie Plaza Movie Theater after they left the swimming hole. He is considered a suspect in her disappearance; police have stated that they do not believe Heck's story about dropping Kahler off at the theater. He drove Kahler around in a black and red Ford Bronco on the day of her disappearance.

A witness claimed Kahler may have visited the Elk Creek Access area, a popular local fishing spot, the day she disappeared. It is unknown whether the woman seen was Kahler or another individual who resembled her. Heck was incarcerated on burglary charges after Kahler disappeared.

Kahler graduated from East High School, where she was in special education classes, in 2001. Her mother describes her as a very naive young woman. Kahler was declared legally dead in 2009. Her disappearance remains unsolved.

Above: David Heck