Rantoul, Illinois | March 10, 2007 – The community of Rantoul, Illinois, continues to search for 20-year-old Jamie Harper, who was last seen on the morning of March 10, 2007. Harper disappeared after attending a party in the 1300 block of Laurel Drive inside the Maplewood Estates trailer park. Her disappearance remains a mystery, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
What Happened?
Jamie Harper, a 20-year-old from Paxton, Illinois, left her mother’s home on the evening of March 9, 2007, to attend a party in Rantoul. She was accompanied by her boyfriend, who later stated that he had “things to take care of” and that Jamie would find a ride home on her own. The last confirmed sighting of Jamie was at approximately 4:30 AM on March 10, 2007, at the party. She had planned to spend the night at a friend’s house, but she never arrived and has not been seen since.
Her mother, Susan Kehrer, initially hesitated to report her daughter missing, recalling that Jamie had occasionally stayed out for a couple of days in the past. However, after no contact was made and no updates were received, Jamie’s mother reported her missing to the Paxton Police Department in the following days.
Investigation Details
Upon investigation, all of Jamie’s possessions, including her medication, were found left behind at her home. Police initially questioned Jamie’s boyfriend, who was considered a person of interest in the case but was later cleared as a suspect. A tip received by police suggested that Jamie may have overdosed and that her body was disposed of in a remote area near Paxton known as “Dogtown.” Authorities conducted a search in the area in April 2008, but no evidence was found.
The case took another turn when authorities linked Jamie’s disappearance to a similar case involving Heather Dawn Mullins Zimmerman, who disappeared in Gifford, Illinois, in May 1997. Both cases are believed to be connected to the same person of interest, a 30-year-old man from Rantoul who was present at the party the night Jamie disappeared.
The Person of Interest
The individual in question left the party with Jamie but returned an hour and a half later without her. He was later questioned by police but refused a polygraph test. Phone records showed that after the police interview, he left Illinois and traveled to Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, and Louisiana. He was arrested in Florida for a burglary charge in June 2007 and was extradited back to Illinois.
In October 2007, authorities conducted a search of a property belonging to the person of interest’s father in Vermilion County. Items seized during the search included clothing, a seatbelt with possible blood stains, and a partially burnt bucket. However, no direct connection to Jamie’s case was confirmed.
The person of interest was later convicted of aggravated domestic battery in a separate case and sentenced to 20 years in prison. He will be eligible for parole in 2032.
Description of Jamie Harper
- Name: Jamie Harper
- Age at Disappearance: 20
- Hair: Brown
- Eyes: Brown
- Height: 5’0″
- Weight: 125 lbs
- Distinguishing Marks: A tribal design tattoo on her lower back, pierced ears, and a pierced left nostril.
Clothing and Accessories
Jamie was last seen wearing:
- A white jacket
- Blue jeans
- Sandals
- Carrying a small black bag
Investigation and Reward
The Paxton Police Department, along with Ford County Crime Stoppers, continues to seek information regarding Jamie’s disappearance. A $2,900 reward is being offered for any information that leads to Jamie’s location. If you have any information, please contact:
- Paxton Police Department: (217) 379-4315
- Ford County Crime Stoppers: (217) 784-4173
Case Number: M07-B1258
Public Response
The disappearance of Jamie Harper remains an open case, and her family is holding out hope for answers. Friends, family, and the community continue to search for clues, and local media outlets have covered her case in hopes of drawing attention to the investigation.
Conclusion
Jamie Harper’s disappearance is a heartbreaking mystery that continues to puzzle authorities and the local community. As the investigation continues, the family remains hopeful that someone will come forward with the crucial information needed to bring Jamie home.
The post MISSING PERSON ALERT: 20-Year-Old Jamie Harper Disappears After Party in Rantoul, Illinois first appeared on Trusted and Verified USA News.
