Deborah was last seen at approximately 9:00am on January 19, 2004 at an acquaintance's residence in the vicinity of the 1400 block of Wiley Road in Spring Hope, North Carolina. She left the house she shared with her friend after the two argued. The friend told authorities that Deans called someone to pick her up, and she left the residence a little while later. She couldn't describe the person or the vehicle. Deans left behind an infant and a 5-year-old at the house, as well as two older children who were living with their grandmother. The friend told investigators that Deans called on March 24, asking permission to pick up the two youngest children. But she refused, telling Deans that she needed to talk to the Department of Social Services. Deans never showed up at the house and never called again. Deans' mother reported her missing on April 19, 2004.
