Police are searching property in Colona for evidence related to the disappearance of Trudy Appleby in 1996. The Moline Police Department said they are executing a warrant in the 600 block of 8th Street in Colona by detectives assigned to the Trudy Appleby case. Just 11-years-old at the time, Trudy Appleby was seen leaving her residence in Moline on August 21, 1996, wearing a black 1-piece swimsuit, spandex shorts, blue tennis shoes, socks and a t-shirt. She was reportedly seen around 9:30 AM with a while male in his 20’s in a gray box style car, similar to a Chevrolet Cavalier. Trudy Appleby would be 38-years-old today. Chief Darren Gault said there is no new information to report at this time and the Moline Police will update the public and media if new information develops.
The Moline Police Department was assisted at the scene by East Moline Police, Colona Police, Illinois State Police, the Illinois State Police Crime Scene, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Henry County State’s Attorney’s Office and City of Moline Public Works.
The Moline Police Department said they will follow every lead and leave no stone unturned in trying to find answers to her disappearance. “We will continue to investigate this case until we reach a conclusion, regardless of the time that passes.”
