Yanez was last seen at the residence he shared with his mother in the 500 block of May Avenue Tahlequah, Oklahoma on January 5, 1999. His mother returned home after her work shift and discovered that the lights and television were on, but Yanez was not inside the residence. He has never been heard from again. Yanez left his coat, cigarettes and other personal belongings behind at the house.

Several of Yanez's relatives told authorities that he mentioned a friend planned to give him a ride from his home on the day of his disappearance. Investigators considered Yanez's disappearance to be suspicious, as it is uncharacteristic of him to leave without warning. He has several children. His case remains unsolved.