Richardson was last seen by neighbors at her apartment complex in Columbia, South Carolina on August 15, 2003. Richardson resided at Churchill Apartments in the 4900 block of Fairfield Road at the time. She has never been heard from again. Her sister reported her missing on October 10.

Richardson's teal green 1994 Ford Mustang was recovered in St. Mary's, Georgia in October 2003. Her husband's sister was driving it. Richardson and her husband also owned a red 1987 Toyota pickup truck and a gray 1992 Chevrolet Lumina. Richardson's husband was interviewed about her case, but he has not been named as a suspect in her disappearance. He claimed she simply left him. Richardson's family describes the husband as jealous and abusive.

Authorities believe Richardson could have been taken against her will. Her case remains unsolved.