The Schepers Family Expresses Gratitude to Community for Solving 1983 Elgin Cold Case

ELGIN, Ill. (WLS) — The family of Karen Schepers is speaking out for the first time since the decades old Elgin cold case was solved.

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Schepers went missing on April 16, 1983 after attending a party with coworkers at a bar in Carpentersville. She was 23.

42 years later, officials found her remains inside her 1980 canary yellow Toyota Celica at the bottom of the Fox River.

The Schepers family released a statement for the first time since the cold case was solved:

The Elgin Police Department, particularly Chief Lalley, Detectives Andrew Houghton, and Matt Vartanian, as well as retired Officer Mike Gough, are deserving of our gratitude for their unwavering commitment to the Cold Case program. Their efforts have led to the safe return of Karen after an extensive period of time.

Upon receiving the news of finding Karen’s car, a moment of shock encompassed us all, causing time to stand still momentarily. As we processed this information, a new chapter unfolded, finally providing an answer to the long-standing question of ‘Where is Karen?’ Her absence has left a void in the lives of those who cherished her. Karen, a young, independent, and accomplished individual with a promising future, will forever be remembered.

Karen’s presence has been deeply missed, and the impact of her return will be felt by all who cared for her. It is believed that she has been observing from above, witnessing a series of events orchestrated by a higher power that led to her reunion with loved ones. The reunion was made possible by the remarkable teamwork, intelligence, and empathy displayed by everyone involved.

We also want to extend a special “thank you” to the team of Chaos Divers: Jacob, Lindsey, and Mike. 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.

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.”