Vivian was last seen in Miami Beach, Florida on April 6, 1997. She was abducted by her non-custodial mother, Marina Trout. A photograph of Marina and her vital statistics are posted below this case summary. A felony warrant for kidnapping and interference with custody was issued for her on April 15, 1997.

Marina was supposed to have supervised visitation with Vivian, as she had abducted the child once before. On the day of her disappearance, they had a scheduled supervised visit in the 1000 block of Lenox Avenue, at an apartment Marina shared with her mother, Bertila Vargas. Marina was supposed to return Vivian to her father, John, at 5:00 p.m. About five minutes into the visit, the supervisor went into the bathroom. Marina locked her in and fled with Vivian. The supervisor pried open the bathroom window and called for help until someone summoned the police. When questioned, Vargas said she didn't know her daughter and Vivian's whereabouts.

John has criticized the United States government for allegedly mishandling Vivian's case and losing her case file. He kept copies of the file in his residence and says they were stolen during a burglary. Nothing else was taken.

It is believed that Marina took Vivian out of the United States, possibly to Spain, Costa Rica, Mexico or South America. Marina also has contacts in California, New York and New Jersey. The child's case remains unsolved. She is considered to be endangered. Texas authorities are assisting with her investigation.