Silva was last seen leaving her family's residence in the vicinity of the 200 block of Lazard Street in San Fernando, California at approximately 11:00 p.m. on May 8, 1999. She was driving her dark blue and gray 1997 Chevrolet Astro van with a dark blue top and California license plates 3TICO34 at the time. Silva never returned home and has not been seen again.

Silva's vehicle was discovered abandoned on San Fernando and Mission Boulevard in Mission Hills, California some time after her disappearance. There was no sign of her at the scene. Her family members said that it was very uncharacteristic for Silva to leave without contacting anyone. She is the mother of four children. Authorities suspect foul play was involved in her disappearance.