Podniestrzanski was last seen by family members in Clearwater, Florida sometime during March 1995. He was due to go on trial on charges of dealing with stolen property on April 6, 1995. Police issued warrants for his arrest when he failed to show up, but Podniestrzanski was not reported as a missing person until May 30, 1997, over two years after his disappearance. His loved ones say he has many friends and enemies. They believe he met with foul play and is no longer alive. Police now share the same view; it is not thought that Podniestrzanski vanished as the result of the trial. He had no permanent address at the time of his disappearance, living instead with various friends and girlfriends. His address was listed as Keystone Mobile Home Park in the 600 block of Clearwater-Largo Road, but occupants of the park do not remember him.

Podniestrzanski has outstanding warrants against him. He has a criminal record for aggravated battery, car theft, driving without a valid licence, disorderly conduct, and probation violation. His case remains unsolved. Investigators believe he met with foul play.