MONROE — A tumultuous week of court dates has left the family of Melissa Trumpy frustrated. The Monticello native has been missing since October 26, when she headed to her boyfriend’s house in Shannon. Trumpy’s car was found abandoned in Stephenson County the next day.
Trumpy’s boyfriend, Derek Hammer, had a preliminary hearing from his domestic abuse and drug possession charges on Wednesday, Nov. 17. As Hammer currently resides in custody with Carroll County police on other charges, the preliminary hearing and discussion of bail modification was postponed for 30 days.
Trumpy, who’s related charges, led to a warrant being requested Monday, Nov. 15 after failed appearance by Trumpy. Judge Faun Marie Phillipson delayed the case for two weeks. Hammer’s next hearing is Dec. 21 and Trumpy’s Dec. 8.
Notably, Trumpy’s family is frustrated with these outcomes.
“There is no person of interest, but they are putting out warrants for Melissa’s arrest,” Ben Affrunti, co-parent with Melissa said. “Derek has basically made Melissa a missing person. There is a lot of victim-blaming going on.”
Several family members and friends attended Hammer’s hearing to learn anything they could about Trumpy’s whereabouts.
“I can’t think about her out there in the cold,” said Mandy Mboge, Trumpy’s older sister. “I just want to bring her home for the holidays.”
Trumpy’s children share the sentiment.
“I have an eight-year-old at home with a letter to Santa asking to bring mommy home,” Ben Affrunti said. “It’s heartbreaking. This has been really hard on all the kids.”
The family has continued searching local areas, but has paused as authorities have suggested for hunting season. Saturday, Nov. 20, a drone specialist who worked to find Gabby Petito, will be assisting in the search for Trumpy.
Anyone with information on Trumpy is asked to call the Green County Sheriff’s Office at 608-328-9400, or the Carroll County, Illinois Sheriff’s Office at 815-244-2635.
Aiding the search
A fund has been set up at the Greenwoods Bank in Monticello with branches in Monroe, and Albany for missing person Melissa Trumpy mother of three young children.
Melissa has been missing since October 26, 2021. Her whereabouts are currently unknown, and family and friends continue to search the area of Shannon, Ill. The daily costs of traveling to Shannon and everyday expenses keep mounting. Funds will be used for those expenses as well as the care and education of her children.
Funds may be made out to Denise Gilbertson, mother of Melissa with notation to Melissa Trumpy Benefit Fund in care of Greenwoods Bank, PO Box 388, Monticello, WI 53570 or to the branches in Monroe and Albany.
