Tillman was last seen getting picked up by an African-American male individual driving a dark red car in the vicinity of Ninth Street and Exchange Avenue in East St. Louis, Illinois on October 28, 2007. She has never been heard from again. Her family, which includes five siblings, stated it is uncharacteristic of her to be out of contact with them, and they are afraid for her safety. Tillman resided in the 9500 block of west Main Street in Belleville, Illinois, and that city's police are investigating her disappearance. She left her pets behind, unattended, outside her home. Her family reported her missing on November 5, the day after her birthday.

Prior to her disappearance, Tillman frequented the Flying J in Athorton, Illinois and the truck stop on Route 203 in Troy, Illinois. Her sister described her as a "street person" who enjoys parties. Tillman has a criminal record for prostitution-related offenses; her family stated she had been a prostitute for most of her life. Her disappearance remains unsolved.