New Search Underway in Brenda Bottoms Case

The Sangamon County Sheriff's Office continues to investigate the disappearance of Brenda Bottoms, a 22-year-old woman who was last seen in Auburn nearly four decades ago.

According to the Sheriff's Office, Bottoms was last seen in June 1987 as she got into a vehicle on North 5th Street in Auburn. She has not been seen since.

The investigation was reopened in 2025 as detectives began reviewing the original case files. Since then, investigators have conducted numerous interviews with both individuals who were previously questioned and new witnesses. The renewed investigation has also included a review of documentation collected during the original case.

The Sheriff's Office said the investigation has produced credible information regarding the location of evidence connected to Bottoms' disappearance, as well as new information about the vehicle believed to be involved.

“Our goal is to bring closure to Brenda’s family and the Auburn community,” Sheriff Paula Crouch said. “We believe we are on the right track with these new leads. We also strongly believe there is at least one other individual who has information that could help close this case.”

As part of the ongoing investigation, detectives and several partner agencies responded Wednesday, Aug. 5, to a residence in Auburn to conduct a search. Assisting with the operation were the Illinois State Police, the Laborers' Disaster Response Team and the Sangamon County Water Reclamation District.

With the homeowner's cooperation, crews began excavating the backyard, focusing on an abandoned well identified during the investigation. Authorities said the search of that property, along with additional locations, remains ongoing.

Investigators have not released information about whether any items or evidence have been recovered, citing the active nature of the investigation.

The Sheriff's Office is asking anyone with information about Brenda Bottoms' disappearance to contact Sangamon County Investigations at 217-753-6840 or Crime Stoppers at 217-788-8427. Officials said any information, regardless of how insignificant it may seem, could help provide answers for Bottoms' family and advance the investigation.