Shirley Ann Carpenter Trapp, a 45-year-old African-American woman, was reported missing from Peoria, Illinois, on August 26, 2004. Her disappearance was described as uncharacteristic, and two days later her body was found; investigators determined she had been murdered and foul play was suspected from the outset.

Investigators identified Larry Dean Bright, known as The Bonecrusher, as the person who strangled Trapp. Bright’s criminal activity during a 15-month period from July 2003 to October 2004 included multiple victims; he later confessed to Trapp’s killing along with other murders. The Peoria police formed a task force in October 2004 that included the Illinois State Police and neighboring agencies as part of the broader investigation into missing and murdered women in the area.

If anyone knew Shirley’s movements around August 26, 2004, or has information that could add context to her last days, please come forward.