Missing Woman's Remains Found 16 Years Later At IL Home: Coroner

SPRINGFIELD, IL — Human remains found Monday at a home in Springfield have been identified as a woman who went missing 16 years ago in the area, according to authorities.

The remains discovered in the 2100 block of East South Grand Avenue are those of Michelle "Shelly" R. Bianco of Springfield, according to the Sangamon County Coroner’s Office, which noted the official cause and manner of death was still pending as of Tuesday afternoon.

Bianco was last seen April 5, 2008, at her cousin’s home near where her remains were found, according to Crime Stoppers. She was reported missing by her boyfriend after he returned the next day from a trip out of town, Crime Stoppers said, adding she was seen getting into a black Pontiac with a sunroof that was driven by a small man with black hair and an unshaven face.

Before the skeletal remains were found Monday, homeowners over the weekend discovered personal items linked to Bianco, according to The State Journal-Register.