Skeletal Remains Identified in Cold Case Car Linked to Karen Schepers in Illinois

Skeletal remains were found inside a submerged 1980 Toyota Celica linked to the cold case of Karen Schepers, who disappeared in 1983. The vehicle was recovered from the Fox River on Tuesday after being initially located in 2022 by a fisherman who reported it to the Elgin Fire Department. Due to a misidentification during the initial investigation, the car was not retrieved until recently, prompting apologies from the Elgin Fire Chief and Police Chief for the oversight. The discovery has reignited public interest in the case, spurred by a podcast exploring Schepers' disappearance, which encouraged tips leading to the breakthrough. Authorities are now conducting DNA testing to confirm the identity of the remains, while initial findings show no signs of foul play. Family members expressed mixed emotions, feeling gratitude for the discovery but frustration over the long search for answers.