Bowen was last seen asleep inside her residence in the 500 block of Silverdale in southeast Conroe, Texas on July 14, 1997. She spoke to her boyfriend in the early morning hours and then she and her mother spoke at approximately 3:30 or 4:00 a.m. before her mother went to sleep. Her mother checked on her at 9:00 a.m. and she was gone. She has never been heard from again. Authorities believe Bowen left her residence voluntarily that night with the intention of returning. Her friends had a habit of tapping on her bedroom window at night and waking her up. She left behind all her belongings, including her clothing and purse. Her boyfriend was considered a suspect in the case and he failed a polygraph test, but Bowen's family doesn't believe he would have harmed her. Foul play is suspected in her disappearance; her family does not believe she would have left on her own accord.