Karen Schepers’ Remains Identified, Resolving 42-Year-Old Cold Case

The Kane County Coroner confirmed the remains found in a submerged car belong to Schepers, ending decades of uncertainty for her family.

The Kane County Coroner’s Office used dental records to confirm the skeletal remains found in the Fox River are those of Karen Schepers, missing since 1983.
Schepers’ yellow 1980 Toyota Celica was discovered on March 24, 2025, by Chaos Divers and Elgin Police during a renewed investigation into her disappearance.
The Elgin Fire Department located the car in 2022 but mistakenly identified it as an ATV, prompting procedural reforms after the oversight came to light.
Schepers’ family has been notified of the discovery, providing long-awaited closure after more than four decades of uncertainty.
Investigators continue to explore theories about how the car ended up in the river, with initial suggestions pointing to an accidental submersion near her route home.