Moline, IL — Jamison Fisher has been indicted on three counts of first-degree murder and one count of concealment of a homicidal death in connection with the 1996 disappearance of Trudy Appleby, a case that had remained unsolved for nearly 29 years.
Fisher Indicted After Decades-Long Investigation
Trudy Appleby, 11, went missing from her Moline home on August 20, 1996. According to Moline police Chief Darren Gault, Fisher was arrested on the charges after a thorough investigation led to new developments. However, Fisher has not yet been extradited to Illinois because he is currently being held in Scott County, Iowa, on unrelated charges.
“We hope this brings some measure of peace to Trudy’s family,” Gault said in a press conference. “But this is far from over.”
Details of Trudy’s Disappearance
On the day she vanished, Trudy had planned to go swimming at Campbell’s Island along the Mississippi River. Despite her father’s objections, phone records indicated that she left her home in an older gray vehicle driven by an unidentified man. She was last seen leaving in the passenger seat and has not been seen since.
“This case haunted the family, the city of Moline, and the detectives who worked tirelessly to solve it,” Gault said.
Prosecutors’ Account of Trudy’s Death
Henry County State’s Attorney Cathy Runty stated that Fisher allegedly strangled Trudy after abducting her and then moved her body afterward. However, due to the statute of limitations, Fisher could not be charged with kidnapping.
“Fisher’s actions were in direct violation of the law, and we will continue to pursue this case until it is resolved,” Runty added.
(Source: PJStar)
Legal Hurdles and “No-Body” Homicide Case
The case presents a unique legal challenge as Trudy’s remains have not been found. Rock Island State’s Attorney Dora Villareal noted that this is the 605th “no-body” homicide case in the nation. Prosecutors feel confident that the evidence will be sufficient for a conviction, despite the lack of physical remains.
“We have great legal minds working together, and we feel confident that we can prosecute this case successfully,” Villareal said.
Community’s Support and Continued Search for Remains
The investigation, which has spanned nearly three decades, has seen assistance from law enforcement agencies across Moline, Rock Island, Henry County, and the FBI. Gault emphasized the role of community support in keeping the case alive.
“The community’s persistence in keeping Trudy’s story alive has been invaluable. We will continue to follow every lead,” Gault said.
Detective Mike Griffin, the lead investigator on the case, said the investigation was a team effort across multiple agencies, with their collective work ensuring that Trudy’s story never faded from memory.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
The search for Trudy’s remains will continue, as officials remain dedicated to bringing closure to the family. Fisher’s extradition process will follow after legal proceedings related to the unrelated charges in Iowa.
“There will be legal proceedings in the coming weeks, months, and years,” Gault said, “and we hope to give the family the closure they deserve.”
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