March 29, 2024
Local News | Bureau County Republican


Local News

ISP asks the public for help in the death of Deborah Dewey

Illinois State Police (ISP) are turning to the public for help in solving the homicide case involving Deborah Dewey, the missing Ladd woman whose body was found buried in a shallow grave at a vacant home in Standard.

On Thursday, Lt. Jeff Padilla, an investigator with the ISP, confirmed the search is on for anyone with knowledge about Andersen during that time frame. He said investigators are still working on a time line and building a case.

"We have a very strong case, but there is still a lot of work to do. We're still very much in the middle of this investigation," he said, adding police are currently analyzing phone records.

Police have posted fliers around the TA Truck Stop/R Place Restaurant in Morris area asking for anyone who may have seen Clifford Andersen or given him a ride between Monday, Aug. 22, and Monday, Aug. 29.

Andersen, 66, of Standard has been charged with concealment of a homicidal death in connection to the death of Dewey, 62. Andersen is Dewey's brother-in-law

The flier states, "Have you seen?" followed by a photo of Andersen. The flyer continues by saying, "A Marine veteran, he (Andersen) usually wears some type of military baseball cap and frequently discusses assisting veterans. Andersen routinely visits truck stops in the area and plays gambling machines."

As previously reported, the TA Truck Stop/R Place Restaurant is where Dewey's 2007 Buick LaCrosse was located on Aug. 29. The vehicle was unlocked and undamaged; Dewey's purse was still in the vehicle. On Thursday, Padilla could not release any further information on how Dewey's car got to Morris or any other facets of the case.

Andersen is still being held at Bureau County Jail on a $750,000 bond. Andersen needs $75,000 to be released from jail. He is scheduled to appear in Putnam County Court on Oct. 13.

As previously reported, Dewey was last seen in Spring Valley on Aug. 22. She was reported missing after not showing up to work on Tuesday, Aug. 23.

On Sept. 12, police discovered Dewey's body in a shallow grave at a vacant home in Standard. Padilla said police were alerted to the location through an interview with a person who had knowledge about the case. The following day, Andersen, who lives three blocks away from where Dewey's body was discovered, was arrested and charged with concealment of death. During his first appearance in court it was alleged he had wrapped Dewey's body in a blanket and tied it up with rope and duct tape before burying it.
Andersen's charges were elevated to concealment of a homicide death during his first appearance.

Anyone with information about Andersen is asked to contract the ISP at 815-224-1171.

Comment on this story at www.bcrnews.com.