Merritt was last heard from on February 23, 1983, when she called her grandmother. She said she was calling from a pay phone at James and Townsend streets in Syracuse, New York. Merritt said she was with some friends and would be home later. She has never been heard from again. She was not carrying her makeup, toothbrush or any money with her at the time of her disappearance; she only had a grocery bag full of clothes.

Merritt formerly lived in Fremont, New York with her mother and attended East Syracuse Minoa schools. Prior to her disappearance, she dropped out of school and went to live with her grandmother. She is described as having a very trusting nature. Merritt frequently ran away from home and was arrested for prostitution at least once, several months before she went missing. The day after her disappearance, she was scheduled to appear in court on the prostitution charge. Merritt's grandmother stated she did not believe Merritt was involved with drugs or alcohol in 1983. Prior to her disappearance, Merritt had told her grandmother that if she ever went a month or more without contact, her grandmother should tell the police about one of the men she associated with.

Merritt's case remains unsolved.