Human remains found in car pulled from Fox River ID'd as Karen Schepers, woman missing since 1983

Skeletal human remains discovered in a car linked to a long-standing cold case have been identified as Karen Schepers, a woman who went missing in 1983. The Kane County coroner confirmed the identification on Thursday. The car, a yellow 1980 Toyota Celica, was found submerged in the Fox River near the Slade Avenue boat launch by a nonprofit group called Chaos Divers, after being underwater for over four decades.

Karen Schepers, then 23 years old, disappeared in the early hours of April 16, 1983, after attending a party with coworkers in Carpentersville. Her car and her whereabouts remained unknown until now. Initial investigations matched a discovered license plate to Schepers, reigniting interest in her cold case. Elgin Police Chief Ana Lalley explained that the retrieval process for the vehicle was complex to ensure its structural integrity.

Gary Schepers, one of Karen's siblings, expressed a mix of hope and frustration as he reflected on the years of searching. Despite their efforts, including his father's aerial search, the car remained hidden underwater. "It adds questions more than it answers them," Gary noted, highlighting the family's ongoing uncertainty about how the car ended up in the river and if the remains are indeed Karen's.

The investigation is now focused on comparing DNA samples or dental records from Karen with the remains found in the vehicle, a process that could take weeks. This breakthrough came after the cold case was revitalized early this year through a podcast launched by the Elgin Police Department, which generated new tips and community involvement.

Family members and the police remain committed to uncovering the truth about Karen's disappearance. As they await confirmation of the remains, they grapple with the ongoing emotional toll of uncertainty. "You don't feel like you can go forward until you fix this," said Karen's mother, emphasizing the lasting impact of her sister's unresolved case on the family.