Varo-Gomez was last seen leaving her family's residence in Highland Park, California on September 2, 1998. She has never been seen again. She disappeared at the same time as her boyfriend, eighteen-year-old Alvaro Luna Jara. A photo of Jara is posted below this case summary. Jara is wanted for the murder of a twelve-year-old child, Steven Morales. Investigators believe that Jara drove on to Avenue 58 in Los Angeles, California on August 29, 1998 and began shooting at rival gang members. Authorities stated that they believe one of Jara's rounds struck and killed Morales, who was caught as a bystander in the gunfire. Jara and Varo-Gomez disappeared four days after Morales's murder.

Jara fled to Mexico to escape the charges. He is not a Mexican national, but his parents and other relatives are, and the country's government twice refused to deport him. He was arrested by United States Marshals in Mexico in June 2006, and was returned to the United States in May 2007. He has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial. He could face life in prison without the possibility of parole if convicted in Morales's death.

Authorities would like to question Varo-Gomez regarding the Morales case, but she has not been charged with any wrongdoing. Her family fears for her safety. Varo-Gomez's whereabouts are unknown and her case remains unsolved.

Above: Jara, circa 1998