There were known problems within the family:
http://www.wzzm13.com/news/grmetro_article.aspx?storyid=34979
Police Reports about Missing Sparta Woman Obtained by WZZM13 News
Here's a part of the story:
"Since 2001 police have gone there numerous times, for eight separate incidents.
They've responded to everything from a neighborly dispute over a dog, to child custody issues, to aggravated assault.
Eight incidents, but no arrests.
In one report Julia accuses a relative of coming to her house and quote .. "yelling in her face, telling her that he was going to kill her.." because of a dispute over a car.
In another incident police are called when Julia and an acquaintance get into a fight, where they were quote "..scratching and pulling hair while they were rolling around."
In more than one instance over a two year period people at the house were asked to take polygraph tests.
Once after the fight, another time after a break-in at the house that resulted in thousands of dollars in stolen property. "