Brooks was last seen at a supermarket in Casselberry, Florida on January 18, 2000. He cashed a paycheck there for approximately $200. He was supposed to go to his job at the Regal Cinemas movie theater afterwards, but he never arrived. He has never been seen again. Brooks's black 1992 Honda Accord was discovered abandoned on an Interstate 75 ramp near Ruskin in Tampa Bay, Florida on January 20, two days after his disappearance. The vehicle was in working condition and there no signs of a struggle or foul play at the scene.

Brooks was taking his medication as directed at the time of his disappearance, so his loved ones do not believe he vanished as a result of his mental condition. They are concerned for his welfare, however, as he does not have his medicine with him. Brooks may be armed. His case remains unsolved.