Rawls was last seen in San Antonio, Texas on February 17, 1988. He mowed the lawn and told his mother he was going out to see friends that night. He took his bicycle with him. He has never been heard from again. His bicycle did reappear at his residence, however.

Rawls's life was very troubled prior to his disappearance. He abused drugs and was known to have a violent temper. After he was convicted of burglary, he spent three months in a detention facility in Waco, Texas. He was released in November 1987 and returned home to San Antonio. His mother stated he seemed to be trying to improve his life and stay out of trouble. He had dropped out of sight for a few days at a time before, but he always kept in touch with his mother and would take belongings with him whenever he left.

According to his mother, Rawls was fascinated with Satanism and may have been involved in a Satantic cult at the time of his disappearance. His mother stated he enjoyed acting and sketching, and wanted to become an artist when he grew up. Foul play is suspected in his case, which remains unsolved.