Karen Schepers' Car and Skeletal Remains Recovered After 42 Years

The discovery in the Fox River resolves a decades-long cold case, as authorities work to confirm the identity of the remains and address past investigative oversights.

Karen Schepers' yellow 1980 Toyota Celica and skeletal remains were recovered from the Fox River, nearly 42 years after her disappearance in 1983.
The Kane County Coroner’s Office is conducting DNA and dental analysis to confirm the identity of the remains found in the vehicle.
The Elgin Fire Department admitted to a 2022 oversight when the vehicle was misidentified as an ATV, prompting procedural reforms and leadership changes.
The Elgin Police Department reopened the case in early 2025, collaborating with Chaos Divers and a podcast to generate leads and locate the vehicle using sonar technology.
Schepers' family has been notified of the discovery, expressing relief after decades of unanswered questions about her disappearance.