Urgent Update: 35 Years Later, Blumhorst Disappearance Remains Unsolved

UPDATE: After 35 years, the mysterious disappearance of Veronica Jill Blumhorst continues to haunt her family and community, as authorities confirm they are still actively seeking answers. Blumhorst, just 21 years old at the time, vanished without a trace on September 21, 1990, after parking her blue Chevrolet Corsica in her family’s garage in Mendota, Illinois.

Despite extensive investigations by both local law enforcement and the FBI, no significant leads have emerged. Veronica’s father, Paul Blumhorst, shared the ongoing emotional toll, stating, “It’s been very stressful for both my wife and I and our daughter.” The Blumhorst family has been left with unanswered questions and a relentless search for closure.

Veronica was last seen leaving her job at Super Valu at 1:05 a.m., but she never entered her home. Her purse, keys, and personal items, including a red smock from work, were never found. Investigators previously interviewed friends and family, but efforts have yielded little progress. In a shocking twist, the Mendota Police Department reportedly lost crucial DNA evidence related to Veronica, stalling the investigation further.

As the years passed, the Blumhorst family grew increasingly frustrated with the lack of updates. They eventually relocated to Arizona in search of peace. Paul believes Veronica is deceased and mentioned a potential person of interest, though no charges have ever been filed. “I am more interested in laying my daughter to rest than in prosecuting whoever is responsible,” he stated.

The case gained renewed attention when the Cold Case Foundation stepped in and handed it over to the FBI in April 2020. According to Public Affairs Officer Gabrielle Szlenkier, the FBI is committed to pursuing every credible lead, stating, “We will continue to aggressively investigate this case until a positive resolution is reached.”

In a recent development, the FBI successfully contacted Veronica’s birth mother to obtain additional DNA, which could assist in identifying remains should they be discovered. Mendota Police Chief Jason Martin confirmed his department is working closely with the FBI to explore new leads.

Despite the ongoing investigation, Paul Blumhorst expressed gratitude for the community’s unwavering support. “They’ve been fantastic,” he remarked, highlighting that many still reach out to remember Veronica. “She always had a smile on her face and enjoyed talking to people.”

The Blumhorst family continues to seek assistance from the public. Anyone with information, no matter how small, is urged to contact the FBI at 1-800-225-5324 or the Mendota Police Department at 815-539-9331. Tips can also be submitted online at tips.fbi.gov. Tipsters may remain anonymous.

As the search for Veronica Blumhorst continues, her family holds onto hope for answers and a chance to honor her memory.