Bealer was last seen August 23, 1979 in Los Angeles, CA. Foul play is suspected. Larry Donald Smith was charged with Bealer's abduction and presumed murder shortly after she vanished. Authorities believe that Smith disposed of Bealer's remains in the Pacific Ocean. He was convicted of the charges and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in 1980, one year after Bealer disappeared. 30 witnesses were called, including family members, to testify about Bealer's life and daily routine. The aim was to convince the jury that she never would have left on her own. One witness told of seeing Smith and a young woman arguing as they boarded a boat in Dana Point Harbor. The vessel returned later, the witness said, without Bealer or the anchor.