Nearly 29 years after the disappearance of Trudy Appleby, police in Illinois have made an arrest. Authorities announced Thursday that 50-year-old Jamison Albert Fisher has been indicted for her murder, marking a major development in one of the state’s most haunting cold cases.
What Happened
On Wednesday, August 13, 2025, a Henry County grand jury indicted Fisher on three counts of first-degree murder and one count of concealment of a homicidal death. Prosecutors allege that Fisher strangled Trudy, who went missing from Moline, Illinois, on August 21, 1996.
Rock Island County State’s Attorney Dora Villarreal said evidence also suggests Trudy was kidnapped, but due to the statute of limitations, that specific charge could not be filed. The murder and concealment charges were not affected by the statute of limitations.
Officials confirmed that Trudy’s remains have not been found, but emphasized that “no-body” homicide prosecutions are allowed under Illinois law. Fisher is currently being held at the Scott County Jail on unrelated charges and will remain there pending court proceedings.
Who Is Trudy Appleby
Trudy Appleby was an 11-year-old girl when she disappeared. Described as bright, outgoing, and full of life, she would be 40 years old today. Her disappearance shook the community of Moline and has remained a painful mystery for nearly three decades.
Background or Timeline
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August 21, 1996: Trudy was last seen leaving her home in Moline around 9:30 a.m. with a white male in his 20s, in a gray box-style car resembling a Chevrolet Cavalier.
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She had reportedly wanted to go swimming on Campbell’s Island, despite her father’s objections. Phone records suggest she may have gone ahead with her plans.
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2020: Fisher was named a person of interest in the case.
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December 2024: Henry County and Rock Island County law enforcement agencies began collaborative discussions on the case’s progress.
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August 13, 2025: Fisher is indicted for murder and concealment of a homicidal death.
Every August 21, Trudy’s family holds a candlelight vigil to honor her memory and raise awareness about her case. This year’s vigil will take place at 7 p.m. at the Moline Police Department.
Public or Social Media Reaction
News of the arrest has been met with an outpouring of emotion from the Moline community and beyond. Many expressed relief that progress has been made, while others voiced heartbreak that Trudy’s body remains missing. Social media posts under hashtags like #JusticeForTrudy and #TrudyAppleby are calling for continued awareness and urging anyone with information to come forward.
Official Statement or What Happens Next
Moline Police Chief Darren Gault said investigators will continue to follow all leads, especially those that could lead to locating Trudy’s remains. “There will be a lot of legal proceedings in the coming weeks, months, and maybe years,” Gault noted. “We hope that at some point we’ll be back to give you better answers.”
Authorities encourage anyone with additional information to contact law enforcement immediately.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
