An arrest has been made in the murder of Trudy Appleby, who was a week shy of being missing for 29 years. The 11-year-old Trudy was last seen near her home in Moline on August 21, 1996. She was seen getting into the passenger seat of an older-model gray-colored vehicle driven by an unidentified male. Trudy had asked to go swimming on that day, but her father said no. She made plans to go swimming anyway and was never seen again. On August 13, 2025, Jamison Fisher, 50, was indicted by a grand jury in Henry County for murder. Fisher was named a person of interest in 2020. Fisher was a family friend and associate of another suspect who died in 2015. Fisher is in the custody of the Scott County Jail on unrelated drug charges. Detective Mike Griffin has been the case agent since 2016. He has relentlessly pursued leads and answers. “His dedication has been remarkable,” said Moline Police Chief Darren Gault. The Moline Police Department said they have not found Trudy’s body but will not give up on looking for her.
According to WHBF News, Fisher’s attorney, Cynthia Zamora Taylor, filed paperwork on his behalf, refusing to waive extradition to Henry County, Illinois, on August 27th. A formal extradition hearing will be held at a future court date. In the meantime, court records show a warrant will be issued to confine Fisher to the Scott County Jail, according to WHBF news. The warrant will allow 30 days for the extradition to work through Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds’ office.
Fisher was indicted on three counts of first-degree murder and one count of concealment of a homicidal death. According to Henry County State’s Attorney Cathy Runty, he was indicted for strangling Trudy Appleby, causing her death.
William Smith, who died in 2014, and David Whipple, who died in 2022, were also persons of interest in the disappearance and murder of Trudy Appleby.
The Moline Police Department issued a message in a recent Facebook post; their renewed appeal underscores an unwavering commitment to the search for answers, declaring recent developments as the start of a broader pursuit for justice. Speaking directly to the community, officials express gratitude for continued support and urge anyone with information to come forward. For those involved in the crime or any cover-up, investigators promise accountability. Tips can be shared anonymously with Crime Stoppers of the Quad Cities at 309-762-9500 as the investigation presses forward, seeking closure for the victim’s family and the entire community.
