Campbell's Island lot searched for Appleby clues known to law enforcement

Monday's search of a vacant lot on Campbell's Island for the remains of Trudy Appleby was not the first time police focused on that piece of property.

The home that used to stand on it was torn down in 2004 and neighbors told TV-6 law enforcement watched while they tore it down board by board.

Moline Police Detective Mike Griffin said the home's foundation was not dug up at the time because it had already collapsed, causing the home to be condemned 13 years ago. County records show the home was owned from 1997 to 2004 by David Whipple and his wife. Whipple is the son-in-law of William "Ed" Smith.

Moline police identified Smith as a person of interest in the Appleby disappearance this summer. He had lived in a house across the street from the former Whipple property and died three years ago.

Police have not provided details on what they found during Monday's excavation.