In the spring of 1993, a young woman named Stacey Jane Morrison faced a series of profound challenges that culminated in her disappearance. At 23 years old, Stacey was navigating a difficult life, contending with a mild intellectual disability that gave her the mental capacity of a ten-year-old, a history of substance abuse, and the possibility of an undiagnosed mental health condition her mother believed could be schizophrenia. These vulnerabilities made it impossible for her to live independently. Known to sometimes use the alias 'Becky,' Stacey had red hair, green eyes, and several distinct physical features, including small scars on her face, a scar on her upper right leg, a strawberry birthmark on her neck, and a C-section scar on her abdomen. She also had a lazy left eye and wore eyeglasses.
On the evening of May 20, 1993, Stacey was released from jail in Peoria, Illinois, after being held on a prostitution-related charge. Her plan was to find refuge at the local YWCA, but she discovered she would not be able to enter the shelter until 10:00 p.m. This left her in a vulnerable position, waiting alone for hours. During this time, she reached out to her family, conveying a deep sense of fear. She told them that an individual had threatened her life if she failed to earn money through sex work prior to her arrest. Stacey was worried that this person might find her while she waited for the shelter to open. She made arrangements to call her family the very next day, a call she would never make. Stacey Jane Morrison has not been seen or heard from since that night.
The investigation into Stacey's disappearance has stretched on for decades, leaving her family with unanswered questions and a lingering sense of loss. A significant development in the case came years later when Joseph Miller, a convicted serial killer, confessed to her murder. Miller, responsible for the deaths of at least five other women, also claimed to have killed another woman, Valarie Sloan, who disappeared from Peoria the same year as Stacey. Despite his confession, authorities have been cautious, as Miller has a history of providing false information and it is believed he might be seeking attention. He has never been charged in connection with Stacey's case. While law enforcement remains skeptical of his claims, Stacey’s mother has expressed her belief that he was responsible for her daughter's death. The case is officially classified as an endangered missing person case and remains unsolved, a haunting reminder of the young woman who vanished into the night. The Tazewell County Sheriff's Office continues to be the primary agency handling the investigation.
Last Seen: May 20, 1993
