Authorities in Elgin, Illinois have successfully identified skeletal remains discovered in a river as those of a young woman who vanished over forty years ago. To crack the cold case, detectives launched their own podcast, which ultimately led to the breakthrough. Dental records confirmed the remains found inside a 1980 Toyota Celica retrieved from the Fox River belonged to Karen Schepers, a 23-year-old who went missing in 1983.
Detective Matt Vartanian expressed gratitude for being able to bring closure to Schepers’ family, saying, “I greatly appreciate them entrusting us to find Karen.” Schepers was last seen leaving a party with colleagues at a bar in Carpentersville. The case had long puzzled investigators until the cold case unit revisited it last year, producing the podcast “Somebody Knows Something” to explore various theories surrounding her disappearance.
A recent search revealed that the Fox River had experienced high flood levels around the time of Schepers’ disappearance. Subsequently, divers located the submerged Celica matching the missing woman’s car, and a forensic examination confirmed the presence of human remains within. While dental records confirmed the identity of the skeleton, the circumstances leading to the vehicle ending up in the river remain unclear.
Police Chief Ana Lalley emphasized the importance of supporting the Schepers family during this difficult time, acknowledging that numerous questions will arise. Detectives Houghton and Vartanian thanked Schepers’ loved ones for their cooperation and trust throughout the investigation, recognizing the risks involved in reopening such a sensitive case. Ultimately, the collaboration and attention brought by the podcast played a crucial role in solving the mystery surrounding Karen Schepers’ disappearance.
