Nelson was last seen in the 14800 block of west Park Avenue in Boulder Creek, California on December 14, 1998. She was on her way to school, but never arrived there. She has never been heard from again. Police originally believed she had left of her own accord, but now they suspect foul play was involved in her disappearance.

Informants have told authorities that Nelson was murdered, and police think they have identified her killer. The individual, who has never been publicly named, is a former friend of Nelson's who is now in prison for an unrelated crime. He reportedly confessed the murder to two of his friends. Police searched in the Santa Cruz Mountains off Bear Creek road for Nelson's body, but could not find it, and without it they do not have enough evidence to make a case against the suspect. However, they have issued a death certificate, and a memorial service for Nelson was held in March 2003.

Nelson was a senior at San Lorenzo Valley High School at the time she disappeared. She enjoys reading. She played baseball and took tap and ballet lessons in December 1998, and has also acted in several plays. Nelson is described as a very social person with many friends. Her case is unsolved. Although some agencies classify Nelson as a runaway, foul play is suspected in her disappearance.