Human remains have been found in a DeKalb park where a Northern Illinois University student was believed to have been heading last week before she disappeared, authorities said Saturday night.
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But, officials stopped short of saying whether the remains found in a dense area of Prairie Park were those of 18-year-old NIU student Antinette “Toni” Keller, who was last seen Oct. 14 at her residence hall, Neptune Hall.
As of Saturday night, authorities were classifying the findings as a death investigation.
“We believe the remains have been there for some time,” said DeKalb Police Chief Bill Feithen, after a news conference at DeKalb City Hall. “We can’t pinpoint it exactly. I would say a short time after her disappearance.”
Keller, who is from Plainfield, went missing from Neptune Hall after telling friends she was going to take a walk toward the park, located south of Illinois Route 38. University police were contacted about 6 p.m. the following day when Keller did not return.
The remains were found in the park along with various items consistent with some of Keller’s belongings, Feithen said. He would not say what the items were or when the remains were found.
An NIU spokesman and the DeKalb County coroner’s office declined to comment on the investigation, referring inquiries to Feithen.
The partially wooded area where Keller was headed had been searched “many times” by police, Feithen said. There have also been two air searches and at least one check of the Kishwaukee River by a St. Charles Fire Department diving team.
He said Keller’s family was notified early Saturday evening.
Reached by the Tribune, a family spokeswoman said the news stirred sadness.
“The family is deeply saddened, but grateful for all the support coming from the public,” said Mary Tarling, a cousin of Keller’s who spoke on behalf of the family.
An NIU spokesman, Bradley Hoey, said the university is increasing safety and security measures as a precaution and police is stepping up its presence on campus. Hoey added that the university is encouraging its students to walk in groups.