Richardson was last seen at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Highway 322 in Palestine, Texas on May 1, 1989. She had told her mother she was going for a short walk. Her younger brother usually walked with her, but that day he stayed behind. Five minutes later he left the house and tried to catch up with his sister, but he couldn't find her. When Richardson didn't return home after 20 minutes, her mother sent someone out to look for her, but she was nowhere to be found. She has never been heard from again.

Richardson left behind all her belongings, including her clothing and purse. She had a baby son and her loved ones don't believe she would have abandoned him. Foul play is suspected in Richardson's case.