Rocio Sperry's disappearance from Colorado Springs, Colorado on November 10, 1987, has remained a mystery for many years. She was last seen driving a gray and white Pontiac Grand Am, while her husband, Joseph A. Sperry, was visiting family in Florida with their three-month-old daughter. Joseph reported that Rocio called him early in the morning on the day she went missing, saying she loved him and that there would be a surprise waiting for him when he returned home. He became worried when he couldn't get in touch with her later.

Upon Joseph's return six days later, Rocio was nowhere to be found. The car she had been driving was missing, but their new television set was gone as well, and there was evidence of blood and broken glass in the apartment. Joseph found the car a week later, but Rocio was not with it. The car had been driven over 300 miles during the time Joseph was away.

Many speculated that Rocio had either left her husband voluntarily or was murdered by him, but Joseph never believed that Rocio would leave without a trace. He searched for her himself, but nothing ever came of it.

In 2006, Robert Charles Browne confessed to Rocio's murder in court and pleaded guilty to first-degree murder. Browne admitted to taking Rocio to the movies, strangling her, dismembering her body, and putting it in a trash bin. He also stole her car, wedding ring, and television set. Browne was already in prison for the murder of a thirteen-year-old girl, Heather Dawn Church, when he confessed to Rocio's murder. Authorities believe he may have killed many more people, but he has only been charged in connection with Rocio and Heather's cases.

Despite Browne's confession, Rocio's remains have never been found. Her husband Joseph lost custody of their daughter and became addicted to heroin. He is now in recovery. Rocio was born in Cuba and spent time in foster care before marrying Joseph to get out of the system. Foul play is suspected in her case due to the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.