'An Incredible Miracle,' Schepers' Family Says After Cold Case Cracked

ELGIN, IL — "As we each heard the news that her car was found, time stopped while we drew an audible gasp," the family of Karen Schepers said in a statement shared by Elgin police Wednesday. Schepers' remains were found last week after her car was pulled from the Fox River, 42 years after her formerly unexplained disappearance in 1983.

The statement begins,

"We would like to thank the Elgin Police Department - especially Chief Lalley, Detectives Andrew Houghton and Matt Vartanian and retired Officer Mike Gough for their dedication to the Cold Case program that brought Karen back to us after so many years.

As we each heard the news that her car was found, time stopped while we drew an audible gasp. When it started back up again, our lives took a new path that finally included the answer to "Where is Karen?" This question has been haunting all who knew Karen for many years. She was a young, independent, accomplished trailblazer with a very bright future. She has been missed and will continue to be missed by those of us who loved her. We believe she has been watching as God's hand guided all of the events of her coming home. An incredible miracle happened through the skills, intelligence, and compassion of all involved.

The statement continues to give special thanks to the Chaos Divers, with the family writing, "Their expertise enabled such a complete recovery of Karen and her personal effects that very likely could have been lost to the river if the recovery had been completed any other way."

"Thank you to the listeners of the Somebody Knows Something podcast, those who’ve connected with Karen’s story, and everyone behind the scenes of both the investigation and recovery. Words cannot begin to convey how grateful we are to everyone involved."

In late March, divers discovered a car, later identified as Schepers' 1980 Toyota Celica, submerged in the Fox River near the Slade Avenue boat launch. Skeletal human remains found inside the car were later determined to be those of Schepers, per the Kane County Coroner's Office.

Her family shared,

We hope for continued success on each and every cold case. Miracles do happen.

Our family, especially our mother, Liz, is overwhelmed by the care and concern of so many thousands that have followed this case. We very much appreciate the love of friends and family and the prayers for our beloved Karen.”

Also on Patch: Cold Case Car Found In 2022, Mistaken For ATV, UTV: Elgin Police, Fire