Human Remains Found in Car of Elgin Woman Missing Since 1983

Karen Schepers’ 1980 Toyota Celica was recovered from the Fox River, with remains inside awaiting identification through DNA or dental records.

The car belonging to Karen Schepers, who disappeared in 1983, was pulled from the Fox River on March 25, 2025, after being located using sonar technology.
Skeletal human remains were discovered inside the vehicle, with identification pending DNA or dental record analysis by the Kane County Coroner's Office.
The search was conducted by the Elgin Police Department and Chaos Divers, a nonprofit specializing in underwater searches, as part of a renewed investigation into the decades-old case.
Schepers’ disappearance had been revisited in February 2025 through a Cold Case Unit podcast, which explored the theory that her car was submerged in water.
The discovery offers potential closure for Schepers’ family, who have sought answers for over 40 years since her disappearance after leaving a Carpentersville bar.