Authorities have confirmed that skeletal remains were found inside a vehicle connected to a decades-old disappearance, according to the Kane County coroner.
A news helicopter from WLS-TV captured footage as crews recovered a 1980 yellow Toyota Celica from the Fox River on Tuesday afternoon, following an hours-long operation.
The vehicle was discovered by search teams from the nonprofit group Chaos Divers near the Slade Avenue boat launch on Monday. Investigators believe the car had been submerged for 42 years.
Elgin Police Chief Ana Lalley emphasized the complexity of the recovery effort, noting that preserving the vehicle’s structural integrity was a priority.
A license plate check confirmed the vehicle belonged to Karen Schepers, an Elgin resident who vanished over 40 years ago.
Karen, 23 at the time, was last seen in the early hours of April 16, 1983, after attending a gathering with colleagues at a Carpentersville bar. She and her car had been missing ever since.
“For 42 years, we’ve been hitting a wall, but now, we’re finally making progress,” said Gary Schepers, one of Karen’s eight siblings.
Speaking to WLS by phone after the car was recovered, Gary expressed that the discovery raised more questions than answers.
“The only search I know of from back then was my dad renting a plane to fly over the area, hoping to spot her yellow car,” he said.
However, police explained that the vehicle was not visible from the air, as it had been hidden beneath the river’s surface. The Daily Herald shared images of the search teams using sonar to locate the now-deteriorated car.
“I wish they had searched the river back then and found her,” Gary lamented.
Karen’s family now seeks answers about how the car ended up in the water and whether the remains inside belong to her.
Elgin police stated that forensic analysis, including DNA or dental record comparisons, will be conducted, but results could take several weeks.
This breakthrough comes after renewed attention on the case earlier this year through a podcast by the Elgin Police Department titled Somebody Knows Something.
“We hope this podcast helps the family find closure and understand what happened to Karen,” a speaker in the series said.
Karen’s relatives participated in the podcast, sharing their experiences over the years.
“For decades, I’d see someone with similar features and wonder if it was her,” said Susan Trainer, Karen’s sister.
“You can’t fully move on when you’re still waiting for answers,” added Elizabeth Paulson, Karen’s 90-year-old mother.
Police credit the podcast with generating multiple tips that ultimately led to the discovery of the car.
“Our detectives have followed various leads and are considering different theories,” Lalley said. “We’re keeping an open mind as we investigate.”
Among the onlookers at the river Tuesday was Fernando Sanchez, who recalled childhood stories about a car going into the water.
“Back then, we heard rumors—people said someone had crashed into the river,” he said.
For Karen’s family, the search for answers continues as the Kane County coroner works to identify the remains.
“Even now, it feels the same as before—we still don’t know where she is or what happened,” Gary said.
The vehicle has been transported to a secure facility for further examination.
