Karen Schepers’ Remains Identified, Solving 42-Year Cold Case

The Kane County Coroner confirmed the remains found in a submerged car in the Fox River belong to Karen Schepers, closing a decades-long mystery.

Karen Schepers, a 23-year-old who disappeared in 1983, was identified through dental records after her car and remains were recovered from the Fox River this week.
The Elgin Police Department collaborated with Chaos Divers and used sonar technology to locate her submerged 1980 Toyota Celica on March 24, 2025.
In 2022, the Elgin Fire Department mistakenly identified the car as an ATV, delaying the case’s resolution; the department has since implemented protocol and leadership changes.
Schepers’ family expressed relief at finally having closure after 42 years of uncertainty about her disappearance.
The Elgin Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances of her disappearance, exploring environmental factors and other theories from the time.