Leggett was last seen standing outside Ross Cotton Gin, her place of employment in Mercedes, Texas, between 4:30 and 4:45 p.m. on October 9, 1984. The establishment is owned by her father-in-law, and Leggett worked there as a secretary. Leggett was talking to two males when she was last seen. They were standing next to Leggett's car and another white car, possibly a sports car.

At 4:45 p.m. that same day, Leggett's parents received two phone calls saying she had been kidnapped and the abductor(s) wanted a ransom. Leggett's father then drove to the Ross Cotton Gin and found her car parked there with her purse and keys inside. Leggett was studying to be an X-ray technician, and her books were found open on the desk in the office, with a pencil to mark her place. There was also a calculator turned on. Leggett herself was missing. She has never been heard from again. A ransom note was mailed to her family after her disappearance, demanding $250,000.

Leggett's stepfather, Lefty Gardner, was a pilot and a member of the Confederate Airforce at the time of her abduction. Some theorize that Gardner refused to smuggle contraband into Mexico and Leggett was abduction in retaliation for his refusal, but there is little evidence to support any theory. Leggett's husband was also looked at as a possible suspect. He cooperated fully with the investigation and maintains his innocence in her case. He obtained a divorce from Leggett after her abduction.

Foul play is suspected in Leggett's case. She left behind her husband and baby son. Authorities believe Leggett was the victim of a homicide. No suspects have been named in her disappearance; it remains unsolved.