Weflen went missing northwest of Spokane on September 16, 1987. At the time she worked as an operator for the Bonneville Power Administration. Her duties included energizing and de-energizing power equipment, reading meters and keeping transformers powered up. She left work to see to one of the transformers at the substation. Weflen disappeared about 3:30 p. m. from the substation near where Four Mound and Coulee Hite roads meet, northwest of Spokane. Her hard hat and toolbox, a water bottle and a pair of sunglasses lay on the ground next to the truck. Her purse was still in the work rig. The truck's driver-side door and back hatch were open. Gravel showed signs of a struggle, including what appeared to be drag marks. A fresh tire pattern, not belonging to Weflen's vehicle, was found near the substation.