Sanders was last seen in Chicago, Illinois on December 1, 1996. He used his cellular phone to talk to a business associate on December 2. This is the last time anyone heard from him. His mother reported him missing on December 4. At the time of his disappearance, Sanders owned Black Man Group Realty, a real estate agency. Authorities found his 1995 Nissan SUV in the 1000 block of north Springfield during the week after he was reported missing; Sanders owned property in the area and had plans to sell it.

Authorities stated there is no evidence of foul play in Sanders's disappearance. His case remains unsolved.