Illinois Police Have New Lead in 34-Year-Old Tammy Zywicki Case

The Illinois State Police have made a startling announcement on the 34th anniversary of the disappearance of Tammy Zywicki. There's a new lead they're pursuing that they hope will lead them to the person or persons responsible for her kidnapping and murder in August of 1992.

The Public Information Office of the Illinois State Police now say this 34-year-old cold case of Tammy Zywicki's disappearance and murder has new information. Tammy disappeared on August 23, 1992 after she was reportedly last seen with her car on Interstate 80 at mile marker 83 in LaSalle County, IL between 3:10 and 4:00 pm that day. Tammy's mother reported to police that she had not arrived at college which led to them finding her car abandoned later that day.

On September 1, 1992, Tammy’s body was found along Interstate 44 in rural Lawrence County, Missouri. She had been stabbed to death by someone. Illinois State Police now believe that Theresa “Teri” Belenske (maiden name Theresa Vega) may have been traveling with a suspect as she was known to hitchhike frequently. Illinois State Police are asking for the public's help in learning more information about Belenske during the late 80's and early 90's. She passed away in 2014 and is not a suspect, but a truck driver she was traveling with is a person of interest.

If you have any information about Theresa Belenske and/or truck drivers she traveled with, you can submit tips online or call 1-800-CALL-FBI. The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward leading to the identification of the individual or individuals responsible for this crime. You can also see pictures of her on the Illinois State Police bulletin. There's also new information shared with pictures on the Illinois State Police social media sites.