Investigators with the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office were in Illinois last week questioning several people of interest in the case of Tabitha Franklin, who has been missing since 2009.

Franklin, 28, was last seen on Aug. 13, 2009, at a residence in West Point.

“We were following up on some information in regards to a person of interest in the case,” said Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry. “This person was questioned in 2009 and fled the area after questioning. We questioned multiple individuals while we were in Illinois. Even though this case started in 2009, it’s still a priority. With it being an ongoing investigation we can’t release details on the information at this time.”

WREX in Rockford, Illinois, reported the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office has been working with Cullman County investigators in the case.

Numerous searches have been conducted over the past seven years, but Franklin has never been found. Family and friends of Franklin held a candlelight vigil in August and asked for anyone with information to contact authorities.

Gentry said new information into the investigation of Franklin’s disappearance led local investigators to reach out to Winnebago County for assistance.

Anyone with information about Tabitha Franklin’s disappearance is asked to contact the Cullman County Sheriff’s Department, 256-734-0342. In Rockford, the sheriff’s number is 815-319-6400.

David Palmer may be contacted at 256-734-2131, ext. 116.