What to know about the disappearance of an Illinois woman in 2008

Nearly 16 years to the day Michelle “Shelly” Bianco of Springfield disappeared, personal items, including a purse and documents linked to her, were identified Monday at an east side home near where she was last seen alive.

Now skeletal remains found in the same home in the 2100 block of South Grand Avenue East have been identified by Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon and other experts as Bianco’s.

An official cause and manner of death are still pending, Allmon said.

Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell said anyone associated with the home will be questioned about the case.

Here’s what you should know about the Bianco case.

Further:Sheriff: Personal items of missing Springfield woman found in east side home

Who is Michelle Bianco?

Michelle “Shelly” Bianco would be 59 years old. She was also known as Michelle Bradley and Michelle Miles and she lived at Lincoln Place Mobile Home Park off Old Route 36.

When and where was she last seen?

Bianco was last seen on April 5, 2008, near South Grand and Wheeler avenues, although times vary, from 7:30 to 11 p.m. Bianco was with her cousin when a man driving a black Pontiac offered her a ride. to home. The cousin said the man called Bianco by her name and she willingly got into the car.

When was a missing person report filed?

According to articles in the State Journal-Register, Bianco’s boyfriend returned to town and to her residence on the afternoon of April 6, but she was not home. Bianco’s family contacted Springfield police that same night.

Bianco’s physical description was relayed to area police officers on April 7, and her boyfriend filed a formal missing person report on April 8.