The long and anguishing journey for answers in the disappearance of Trudy Appleby, an 11-year-old girl from Moline, Illinois, might finally be approaching closure. On Thursday, authorities arrested 50-year-old Jamison Fisher, charging him with multiple counts of first-degree murder and the concealment of a homicidal death. This development comes just one week before the 29th anniversary of Trudy’s disappearance in August 1996.
Remembering Trudy and the Pain of Unanswered Questions
Trudy Appleby was last seen alive near her home on Campbell’s Island. The bright, spirited girl was reportedly climbing into a silver or gray car in the company of an unknown male. Despite decades of investigations, including interviews, excavations, and vehicle seizures, her body was never recovered. Fisher’s arrest represents the most significant step forward in the case — yet the most pressing question remains: where is Trudy?
For her childhood best friend, Amber Dunlap, the arrest brought with it a bittersweet mix of relief and sorrow. Recalling the moment she learned of Fisher’s indictment, Dunlap told media outlets, “I dropped to my knees and cried. Seeing his face made me sick; no human could do this to a child.”
The Fight for Justice
Authorities allege that Fisher kidnapped Trudy, strangled her, and disposed of her body. While Fisher had been named a person of interest in the case back in 2020, it wasn’t until now that formal charges were filed. Police remain tight-lipped about the key evidence that led to the breakthrough in the investigation.
Dunlap continues to plead with Fisher to reveal the location of her best friend’s remains, urging him to provide answers to give Trudy the proper burial she deserves. “She was just an innocent child. Tell us where she is so we can finally lay her to rest,” said Dunlap, who has never stopped mourning the loss of her inseparable friend.
Decades of Determined Investigation
The arrest is the culmination of years of tireless efforts by the Moline Police Department. Chief Darren Gault emphasized that despite the challenges of solving a nearly three-decade-old cold case, the department remained resolute in its pursuit of justice for Trudy. “It’s been 28 years, 11 months, and 23 days since her disappearance. That’s 10,584 days. Today, we are finally able to take a significant step toward justice for Trudy and her family.”
The case saw renewed momentum in 2017 when William “Ed” Smith was identified as a person of interest in Trudy’s disappearance. Smith, who died in 2014, was reportedly seen with a girl matching Trudy’s description in a silver car on the day of her disappearance. His son-in-law, David Whipple, as well as Jamison Fisher, were later connected to the case. Both Smith and Whipple have since passed, leaving Fisher as the sole surviving individual linked to the investigation.
A Community Holding Vigil
Each year, Trudy’s family and friends have gathered for a candlelight vigil to honor her memory and call for justice. This year’s vigil, scheduled for August 21, carries an especially profound weight. For Dunlap and other loved ones, this long-awaited development shines a light of hope even as they brace for the difficult path ahead.
Even with Fisher in custody, the work isn’t over. Police continue to chase leads to bring Trudy home. As Chief Gault declared, “We remain committed to seeking the truth for Trudy and ensuring that justice is served.”
While closure remains elusive, this recent progress marks a significant step forward in one of Moline’s most haunting mysteries. The resilience of Trudy’s family, friends, and the investigating officers ensures that her story will not be forgotten.
