March 31, 2025
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Skeletal remains confirmed to be Karen Schepers, Elgin woman missing since 1983

Kane County Coroner’s Office relied on dental records, forensic odontologist to ID remains found in car in Fox River

By Brenda Schory
Karen Schepers, who lived in Elgin and grew up in Sycamore, vanished in 1983 after attending a party at a Carpentersville bar. Elgin authorities located her car in the Fox River on March 24, 2025.

Karen Schepers, who lived in Elgin and grew up in Sycamore, vanished in 1983 after attending a party at a Carpentersville bar. Elgin authorities located her car in the Fox River on March 24, 2025. The Kane County Coroner's Office confirmed the remains found in the car are Karen Schepers. (Photos provided by Elgin Police Department)

Kane County Coroner Monica Silva announced that her office has positively identified the remains of Karen Schepers, according to a news release.

Schepers, who grew up in Sycamore, was last seen in Carpentersville on April 16, 1983, and has been missing since, according to the release.

Her car was pulled from the Fox River on Tuesday and brought to the coroner’s office. Skeletal remains were recovered from the vehicle.

A forensic odontologist and dental records provided by Schepers’ family were used to make the positive identification, according to the release.

This is an ongoing investigation for Elgin police and the coroner’s office.

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