A grand jury in Illinois has indicted a 50-year-old man in the disappearance and murder of an 11-year-old girl who vanished in Moline in 1996.
Moline Police Chief Darren Gault said that Jamison Fisher has been charged with three counts of first degree murder and one count of concealment of a homicidal death in the death of Trudy Appleby, according to KCRG.
Officials said the statute of limitation had expired for a kidnapping charge.
Appleby was last seen in the front seat of a silver or gray four-door sedan parked in front of her father’s Moline home in August 1996, as CrimeOnline previously reported.
Officials had previously identified two other men as persons of interest in the case, along with Fisher. The other two men have since died.
“The arrest of Fisher marks a turning point in this mystery that has spanned nearly three decades,” Gault said. “While nothing can bring back young Trudy to her family, the relentless pursuit of justice honors her memory and the unwavering support of her loved ones and our community. The Moline Police Department is committed to seeking the truth for Trudy and her family and to ensure that justice is served.”
Fisher is in the custody of the Scott County, Iowa, Sheriff’s Office on a probation violation, where he will remain until further court proceedings, KWQC reported. According to the Henry County State’s Attorney, Fisher is charged with strangling Appleby to death.
Appleby’s body has not been found.
