Sangamon County sheriff’s deputies are asking for help in the 39-year search of a missing Auburn woman.
Deputies say 22-year-old Brenda Bottoms was last seen getting into a car on North Fifth Street in Auburn in June of 1987.
The sheriff’s office began reviewing the case files in 2025. Renewed questioning of witnesses and people of interest has led the department to find credible information on the location of evidence in her disappearance, and new info on the suspect vehicle.
Detectives say the trail led authorities on Wednesday of this week to a residence in Auburn, where officials began an excavation of the backyard near a well.
Work is ongoing, and officers are not commenting on details. But, they are encouraging anyone with information about the disappearance of Brenda Bottoms to come forward and help find answers.
People can call the department at 753-6840, or Crimestoppers in Sangamon County at 788-8427.