Rosa was last seen at 7:30 a.m. on March 24, 2008, when she walked her first-grade son to Bernard Elementary School in the 2900 block of Bernard Street, in the Loma Portal area of San Diego, California. Her other children were waiting for her at home, a short walk away. Rosa never arrived home and has never been heard from again. Rosa left behind her money, her wallet, and identification; she took only her house keys. Her adult son reported her missing.

Rosa and her husband, Henry, were in the middle of a heated divorce at the time of her disappearance. They had been married for eight or nine years, but during most of that time they lived apart. Rosa had just been awarded custody of their two children and her two children from a previous relationship, and Henry was ordered to pay $1,100 a month in child support beginning April 1. The Lisowskis' relationship was contentious and Henry had allegedly threatened to "make her disappear." Her loved ones stated she had been afraid for her life for a long time, and that she kept detailed notes of Henry's threats. Police focused on Henry from the onset of the investigation. He was cooperative. Authorities searched his home, boat and car, and quickly named him as a person of interest in Rosa's disappearance. Rosa and Henry's two sons, age six and four, were placed in protective custody shortly after Rosa disappearance. They were eventually given to the care of their older half-brother and their aunt.

In September 2008, Henry was arrested and charged with Rosa's murder. A photograph of him is posted below this case summary. Traces of both Henry and Rosa's blood were found in Henry's Lexus, and Rosa's blood was on Henry's kitchen counter as well. Police believe he put her body in a dumpster in an alley near the Mount Hope area. He could face the death penalty if convicted, because prosecutors claim he murdered her for the purpose of financial gain. Henry is awaiting trial. He maintains his innocence in his wife's disappearance.

Rosa lived in the 3800 block of Midway Drive at the time of her disappearance, and Henry lived in the 5000 block of west Point Loma Boulevard. Rosa moved from Mexico to the United States in the early 1990s, and was a legal resident with a work permit. Although her remains have never been located, foul play is suspected in Rosa's case due to the circumstances involved.

Above: Henry Lisowski