Remains Positively Identified As NIU Student
DEKALB, Ill. (WBBM/CBS) -- Remains found in a DeKalb park have been positively identified as those of missing Northern Illinois University student Antinette "Toni" Keller, more than two months after they were found.
As WBBM Newsradio 780's Mike Krauser reports, authorities now have DNA confirmation that the remains found in Prairie Park two days after Toni Keller's October disappearance are, in fact, those of the Northern Illinois University freshman.
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The remains were so severely burned, that it took some time to confirm that they were human.
Keller, an art student from Plainfield, vanished on Oct. 14 after telling friends she planned to go to Prairie Park near the NIU campus.
Friends reported her missing after she failed to return, and a police search on Oct. 16 found burned human remains in the park.
William Curl, 34, is charged with Keller's sexual assault and murder.
During the investigation into her disappearance, detectives learned that Curl frequented the park.
Curl was interviewed, but failed to show up for follow-up questioning, instead heading to Mexico. He was arrested in Louisiana.
He is now being held on $5 million bond.
Investigators said it appears to have been a crime of opportunity.
Curl has yet to enter a plea. His public defender is awaiting the results of a psychological evaluation.
