Pickett departed from a friend's residence in Webb City, Missouri on August 12, 1992. She had been at a party when another guest offered to take her to her home in Joplin, Missouri to change her clothes. He was then supposed to drive her back to her friend's apartment. The man drove a black van and witnesses stated there was a gun inside it that night.

Pickett has never been heard from again. A week after her disappearance, authorities located and interviewed the individual who gave her the ride. He mainted his innocence in her case and claimed he dropped her off safely near a pawnshop in Joplin. The man is considered a person of interest in Pickett's disappearance but has not been charged or publicly identified for lack of evidence.

Authorities attempted to drain an old mining pit in the area in 2005, thinking Pickett's body might be in it, but they were unable to drain it completely and called off the search without uncovering any evidence. Police stated they believe Pickett was murdered, but they lack the evidence necessary to charge any suspects. Her case remains unsolved. Joplin police are investigating.