Rita was last seen by a surveillance camera, arriving at Showcase Cinema near Opdyke at 7:04 p. m. to meet her ex-husband, Kola Gjergjaj, to discuss custody of their children. A few seconds later, a second car stopped beside Rita's blue Escort and Rita got in. After 35 minutes, the second car drove off with Rita inside. Her unlocked car was left along with her purse, keys, and cell phone. Rita has not been seen since. After Rita's disappearance, Kola, an Albanian immigrant, fled to Kosovo. In 2019, Kola was arrested in Kosovo but committed suicide on the day of his extradition hearing. Although Kola denied involvement in Rita's disappearance, police believe he is responsible for her death. Foul play is suspected in Rita's disappearance. She has yet to be found.