Sheehan was last seen inside her residence on Kendrick Road in Robertsdale, Alabama on December 8, 2001. Her son told authorities that he spoke to her on the telephone at approximately 3:40 PM. Sheehan's son stopped by her house shortly afterwards, but she had disappeared by the time he arrived. Authorities said that there was no indication of forced entry inside Sheehan's residence. She left all of her personal belongings behind, including her vehicle, keys and wallet. Sheehan's loved ones said that it is uncharacteristic of her to leave without warning. Investigators believe that she disappeared under suspicious circumstances and theorize that she may have known her assailant(s) if foul play was involved. Sheehan was employed at Consolidated Container in Foley, Alabama in 2001.