The Night She Disappeared

Karen Schepers was in high spirits on that Friday evening. She had just received her tax refund and deposited the $1200 check at her bank. After work, she hurried home to change into something more casual before heading to P.M. Bentley’s tavern in Carpentersville to celebrate with her colleagues from First Chicago Bank Card. The party was to honor several coworkers who had recently completed a training program and received promotions.

At the bar, Karen was seen socializing with her friends. Around 9:00 pm, she called her boyfriend, Terry Schultz, from the bar’s pay phone to invite him to join the celebration. However, Terry declined, citing a catering job he had the next morning. This was the last confirmed interaction anyone had with Karen that night. Although some coworkers recall seeing her later in the evening, no one remembers exactly when or how she left the bar.

The Initial Investigation

When Karen didn’t show up for work on Monday, her employer contacted the police to report her missing. The Elgin Police Department launched an investigation, but despite extensive searches and inquiries, no leads turned up. Her yellow Toyota Celica was also missing, and there was no activity on her bank accounts or credit cards after her disappearance.

Over the years, the case went cold, with occasional tips and theories but no concrete evidence. Karen’s family, particularly her mother Elizabeth Paulson and her siblings, never gave up hope, but as the years passed, the likelihood of finding answers seemed to diminish.

A New Lead: The Podcast

In February 2024, the Elgin Police Department’s Cold Case unit, led by Detectives Andrew Houghton and Matthew Vartanian, decided to revisit Karen’s case. They launched a podcast called "Somebody Knows Something," where they discussed cold cases, including Karen’s, in hopes of generating new leads.

In the first episode, aired on February 3, 2024, the detectives theorized that Karen and her car might be submerged in a body of water. This theory prompted them to collaborate with Chaos Divers, a nonprofit organization specializing in underwater searches.

The Discovery

On March 24, 2025, Chaos Divers, using advanced sonar technology, located a vehicle in the Fox River near the Slade Avenue boat launch in Elgin. Upon closer inspection, they found that the license plate matched that of Karen’s yellow 1980 Toyota Celica. The car was recovered on March 25, 2025, and inside, skeletal remains were found.

Forensic odontologists from the Kane County Coroner’s Office confirmed on March 28, 2025, that the remains were those of Karen Schepers, using dental records provided by her family.

The Family’s Reaction

The discovery brought mixed emotions to Karen’s family. Her sister Susan expressed hope for closure, especially for their 90-year-old mother, Elizabeth. Her brother Gary, while grateful for the efforts of the divers and police, lamented that such thorough searches weren’t conducted back in 1983. He recalled that at the time, the police assumed Karen had left voluntarily after a fight with her boyfriend, a theory the family never believed.

The Investigation Continues

Although Karen’s remains have been found, many questions remain unanswered. How did her car end up in the Fox River? Was it an accident, or was there foul play involved? The Elgin Police Department is treating the case as active, with Detectives Houghton and Vartanian leading the investigation. They are exploring all possibilities, from accidental drowning to potential criminal activity.

Interestingly, there was a missed opportunity in 2022 when a fisherman detected the vehicle using sonar but it was mistakenly identified as an ATV/UTV by the Elgin Fire Department dive team, and no further action was taken. This oversight has been acknowledged, and protocols have been updated to prevent such mistakes in the future.

A Community’s Quest for Answers

The podcast "Somebody Knows Something" not only helped solve Karen’s case but also highlighted the importance of community involvement in cold cases. The tips and support received after the podcast’s launch were instrumental in locating her car. The case also underscores the advancements in technology, such as sonar equipment, that can aid in solving mysteries that have puzzled investigators for decades.

Conclusion

The discovery of Karen Schepers’ remains after 42 years brings a bittersweet resolution to her family and the community. While it confirms her fate, it also raises new questions about the circumstances of her death. The Elgin Police Department continues to seek answers, and the family holds onto hope that one day, they will know exactly what happened to Karen that fateful night in 1983.

For now, the focus is on providing closure and ensuring that Karen’s memory is honored. Her story serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of unresolved disappearances and the relentless pursuit of truth by those left behind.