A Turn in a 29-Year-Old Mystery: Indictment in Trudy Appleby’s Disappearance
For nearly three decades, the disappearance of 11-year-old Trudy Leann Appleby haunted the Quad-Cities community. On August 21, 1996, the young girl vanished from her East Moline driveway—last seen entering a gray box-style vehicle driven by an unidentified male. Today, authorities have announced a pivotal breakthrough.
A Henry County grand jury has formally indicted 50-year-old Jamison Albert Fisher on charges of three counts of first-degree murder and one count of concealment of a homicidal death as part of the long-unresolved case
The Most Significant Development Since 1996
- Charges filed: Fisher faces three first-degree murder indictments and one concealment charge—marking the first criminal filing in the case
- Status: Currently in custody at Scott County Jail in Iowa for probation violations, Fisher will face further proceedings coordinated by the Henry County State’s Attorney, with collaboration from Rock Island County and the Appellate Prosecutor’s Office
- Investigation history: Fisher was previously identified as a person of interest in 2020, alongside William “Ed” Smith and David Whipple
A Timeline of a Case That Captured a Region’s Heartbreak
| Year | Key Development |
|---|---|
| 1996 | Trudy disappears from East Moline driveway |
| 2017 | William “Ed” Smith identified as a person of interest; he died in 2014 |
| 2020 | David Whipple (d. 2022) and Jamison Fisher named as additional persons of interest |
| 2023 | Authorities excavated Fisher’s Colona backyard—no remains found |
| 2025 (Today) | Fisher formally indicted for murder and concealment |
This renewed legal action represents the most significant leap toward justice the case has seen in nearly three decades
Reflecting on the Impact
- Community response: The Appleby family and supporters have kept her memory alive through annual vigils and media outreach, refusing to let the case fade
- Emotional significance: Moline Police Chief Darren Gault called the indictment “a turning point in this mystery,” acknowledging the painful legacy while honoring the justice pursuit
- Questions unresolved: Trudy’s body still has not been recovered, and multiple investigations—including searches for a boat and excavation sites—have yet to produce conclusive evidence
What’s Next?
The indictment opens the door to court hearings and potentially a full trial, offering the Appleby family long-awaited opportunity for answers and accountability. Investigators urge anyone with new information to come forward and assist in finally closing the case.
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