Sandoval was last seen getting off a school bus in front of Booker Middle School on Myrtle Street in Sarasota, Florida on January 10, 2006. She was carrying a light blue backpack at the time of her disappearance. She has not been seen since. She was missed that afternoon, after she did not return home from her classes. On January 16, Sandoval called her parents to assure them she was safe. She told them she was still in the United States, but she refused to say exactly where, or whether she would be returning. Her loved ones have not heard from her since then.

Authorities believe Sandoval left of her own accord. She is thought to be in Mexico in the company of a Hispanic male acquaintance who is in his twenties. This individual has not been publicly identified or charged with anything in connection with Sandoval's disappearance, which remains unsolved. While investigating the case, the police realized her family was living in the United States illegally and reported them to immigration authorities. As a result, Sandoval's family was asked to leave and return to their native Mexico or face deportation.

Sandoval resided in the 3800 block of Pelau Circle in Sarasota at the time of her disappearance. Her mother stated she was a good student at the time she went missing, and does not have a prior history of running away from home.