Layton was a prostitute at the time of her disappearance. Her boyfriend dropped her off on Auburn Boulevard in Sacramento, California on June 7, 1990. She had been working in that area for the past several months. She was last seen entering a customer's white four-door 1980s model vehicle with a dark interior, possibly a Toyota or a Nissan, on Auburn Boulevard. She has never been heard from again.

Layton grew up in Sacramento and graduated from Vista Nueva High School. She also worked as a telemarketer at the time of her disappearance, and planned to continue her education at American River College. She has previously lived in Las Vegas, Nevada. Layton's family says she was close to them and it is uncharacteristic of her to leave without warning; they and the police believe she possibly met with foul play. Her case remains unsolved.