Pugner had recently relocated to Washington, Pennsylvania from Latrobe, Pennsylvania, moving into an apartment located in the 700 block of North Main Street. On June 8, 2010, she spoke with her sister, informing her that she was in the process of painting her new apartment. However, on June 9, a man contacted Pugner’s sister and father using her cellular phone. He accused Pugner of stealing from him and demanded $30,000, threatening to kill her if his demand was not met. The calls continued until the phone’s battery died, after which the man switched to another phone to maintain communication. Pugner’s sister requested to speak with her to confirm she was alive. In response, all that was heard was muffled mumbling, suggesting that someone had covered or taped her mouth. The man instructed the family to drop the $30,000 off at a McDonald’s located in Mount Oliver, Pennsylvania. However, the family was unable to fulfill the demand, and neither the man nor Pugner made further contact.