WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Ill. (WJPF) – The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating a 1987 homicide.

LaDonna Cooper disappeared from the Bonanza Restaurant located in Marion on March 5, 1987. Her remains were discovered the next day near the observation towers along Illinois Route 148 southwest of Marion.

In March of last year, investigative efforts were intensified. A multi-agency initiative involving the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Marion Police Department, Williamson County State’s Attorney Ted Hampson, and retired law enforcement who were connected to the original investigation, have reviewed historical case files, re-examined evidence, and pursued investigative leads. hope to develop additional evidentiary information related to the investigation with modern forensic and scientific techniques.

The remains of Cooper were exhumed yesterday, May 12, with the consent of her family.

Additional information related to the investigation is expected from the Marion Police Department.