A decade-long search for a teenager who disappeared without a trace has led investigators to begin an excavation at a house in South Elgin, Illinois. This development comes after ground-penetrating radar revealed unusual findings beneath the property, as announced by authorities this week.
The intensive dig commenced on Thursday, marking ten years and one day since Kianna Galvin, who was 17 at the time, disappeared after telling her sister she was going to a park on Mother’s Day. The Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office confirmed that the decision to excavate was prompted by the radar’s detection of underground “anomalies” at a location just a few blocks from Galvin’s home.
While specifics of what was detected remain undisclosed, the anomalies were significant enough for detectives to decide that further investigation was necessary. This proactive approach reflects the ongoing commitment of the authorities to uncover the truth and provide closure to Galvin’s family.
As the excavation progressed, tents were set up behind the residence, and officers were observed exiting with pieces of evidence, according to reports from WLS. The prosecutor’s office emphasized that this operation underscores their relentless pursuit of answers in Galvin’s case, demonstrating their unwavering dedication over the years.
Tents were erected at the back of the home and cops were seen walking out with evidence, WLS reported.
The dig was proof that authorities have never given up trying to get answers for Galvin’s family, the prosecutor’s office said.
“Ten years have passed since Kianna disappeared, and the weight of that loss is still deeply felt by her family, her friends, and this entire community,” Kane County State Attorney Jamie Mosser said.
“My heart remains with all who continue to carry that pain. We have not forgotten Kianna, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to seek the truth.
“It is my hope that renewed efforts will finally bring the answers her family deserves.”
A neighbor said he saw Galvin go into the house on the day she was last seen – May 6, 2016.
Galvin told her sister she was going to the Jim Hansen Park before messaging a man at around 12.30 p.m., letting him know she was on her way to his house to buy marijuana, the Daily Herald reported.
Just 40 minutes later, her cell phone was cut off, and there were no further calls or texts from her.
One neighbor spotted blood spatters on a garbage can lid six days later – and testing concluded it belonged to Galvin.
Cops carried out a search at the property in the November of that year, but didn’t reveal what, if any, evidence was found.
There have not been any charges in connection with Galvin’s disappearance.
Galvin’s mom, Fiona, described her daughter’s disappearance as her “worst nightmare.”
“It was Mother’s Day,” she told WLS at the time. “We had plans. She was gonna cook out steaks we had just bought the day before she went missing.”
Galvin left her purse and wallet at home before vanishing.
In 2020, Fiona said her daughter’s case was a homicide, the Daily Herald reported.
