Podcast Summary: Somebody Knows Something – Episode 5: "Lurking In The Parking Lot"

Title: Somebody Knows Something
Host/Author: EPD Cold Case
Episode: Episode 5 - Lurking In The Parking Lot
Release Date: March 3, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 5 of "Somebody Knows Something," titled "Lurking In The Parking Lot," Detectives Andrew Houghton and Matt Vartanian delve deeper into the mysterious disappearance of Karen Schepers, a 23-year-old who vanished without a trace after a night out at PM Bentley's bar in Elgin, Illinois, on April 16, 1983. This episode introduces new evidence and a fresh witness, potentially shifting the direction of the ongoing investigation.

Recap of Previous Episode

Detective Matt Vartanian begins by recapping the previous episode, where listeners were taken to the original site of PM Bentley's and introduced to a witness claim involving Karen and a group of bikers (01:53). A significant tip about a man with a beige van, alleged by a woman to be connected to Karen's disappearance, was also discussed.

Introduction of a New Witness: Susanna

The episode takes a pivotal turn with the introduction of Susanna, a former employee of PM Bentley's who had never been interviewed by the police in relation to Karen's case until now. Her testimony unveils unsettling events leading up to Karen's disappearance.

Detective Andrew Houghton [02:48]:
"We tracked down a new witness who was never interviewed by police for this case. In this episode, we will hear directly from her and her new information which could point this investigation in a totally new direction."

Susanna’s Experience at PM Bentley’s

Susanna provides a detailed account of her time working at PM Bentley's, painting a vivid picture of the bar's atmosphere and clientele during the early 1980s.

Susanna [04:55]:
"I was trying to do a timeline. So my best recollection is that I must have started in the fall of 1982. I worked there part-time... The uniform that we were given is a pair of green tight shorts and a yellow T shirt that was pretty form-fitting as well. It was kind of like oh, Hooters outfit to compare it to."

She describes an initial clientele of "nice young kids" who came to enjoy live music and dance, later noting an influx of motorcycle enthusiasts who often caused disturbances.

Susanna [06:11]:
"I think probably somewhere closer to the end of me leaving, we were getting motorcycle people coming in. And I'm not saying anything bad about motorcycle riders, but I think it was a lot of people that we weren't used to. If you were local people trying to have a good time, so they were."

Stalking Incidents and Disturbing Letters

A significant portion of the episode focuses on Susanna's unsettling experiences with stalking. She recounts being followed home and finding disturbing letters left in her car.

Susanna [10:13]:
"So he a person, I should say. I can't say exactly who at that time followed me. And then when I turned into my driveway and Lake in the Hills, it went straight."

She describes the car following incidents without specific details about the perpetrator's vehicle, highlighting the fear and uncertainty she felt during that period.

Furthermore, Susanna reveals that harmful acts were done to her personal belongings:

Susanna [12:05]:
"I would drive a little sports car, convertible. I was young and dumb, but I would drive that to the bar... my stuffed animals were literally tied up and strangled and by the seat belts of my car."

The situation escalated with the discovery of increasingly disturbing notes, culminating in a particularly graphic letter:

Susanna [14:50]:
"He addresses it to Beaver and he ends it Beaver squeezer... he was jealous that one of your beavers was a boy. So I strangled him with a seatbelt in the driver's seat."

This letter not only underscores the sinister nature of the stalking but also connects directly to the timeframe preceding Karen's disappearance.

Connection to John Wayne Gacy

A crucial revelation comes when Susanna identifies the stalker as the nephew of the infamous serial killer John Wayne Gacy.

Susanna [19:21]:
"...a fellow who was the nephew of John Wayne Gacy... Squeezing... Strangling my beavers..."

This connection adds a chilling layer to the investigation, given Gacy's notorious history in the region.

Detectives pursue this lead by contacting former employees and uncovering the identity of the suspect, though he denies involvement:

Unnamed Employee [24:26]:
"He worked for me at the Family Inn as a bus boy... I know John Wayne Gacy, but I deny writing any letters... never talked about Gacy."

Despite the suspect's denial, his proximity to Gacy and the nature of his interactions with Susanna remain significant.

Police Investigation and Theories

Detectives Houghton and Vartanian analyze the new information, considering multiple theories that could explain Karen Schepers' disappearance.

1. Biker Involvement: The initial witness account of Karen seen with bikers and the disturbances caused by motorcycle enthusiasts at PM Bentley's suggest a possible link (03:23).

2. Stalking and Serial Killers: Susanna's stalking experience and the connection to John Wayne Gacy introduce the possibility that a serial killer or obsessive individual might be involved.

3. Potential Internal Staff Involvement: The identification of an off-the-books employee and the lack of records from 1982-1983 complicate the investigation, raising questions about internal staff dynamics and overlooked suspects.

Calls for Public Assistance

Recognizing the complexity of the case and the passage of time, the detectives appeal to the public for assistance. They seek information from former employees, witnesses, and anyone with knowledge related to PM Bentley's or similar incidents during that era.

Detective Matt Vartanian [24:37]:
"If you or anyone you know worked at either location back then knows any information that might be useful or remembers this person or Susanna, please contact us."

This outreach underscores the importance of community involvement in solving cold cases, emphasizing that "somebody knows something."

Conclusion and Future Directions

Detectives Houghton and Vartanian conclude the episode by outlining the next steps in their investigation. They hint at exploring additional theories, including the possibility that Karen was harmed during her drive home or by external factors unrelated to PM Bentley's.

Detective Matt Vartanian [32:03]:
"Next time on Somebody Knows Something, we look at the option that Karen safely left PM Bentley's. Then something happened to her on her drive home."

The episode effectively sets the stage for subsequent investigations, promising listeners a deeper dive into alternative scenarios surrounding Karen's disappearance.

Key Takeaways and Notable Quotes

• Chief Anna Lally [01:09]:
  "We believe that the Elgin Police Department and our community can work together to bring closure to cold cases because we know that in these cases, somebody knows something."

• Detective Andrew Houghton [15:34]:
  "They left some horrible things in her car... something runs in passion as red as your car."

• Susanna [16:46]:
  "He addresses it to Beaver and he ends it Beaver squeezer... he was jealous that one of your beavers was a boy."

These quotes capture the essence of the episode's themes: community collaboration, the disturbing nature of the stalking, and the personal impact on those involved.

Final Appeal

The episode concludes with a heartfelt invitation for listeners to contribute any information they might have, reiterating the detectives' commitment to solving the case.

Detective Andrew Houghton [33:07]:
"If you or anyone you know has information about this case or any other cold case in Elgin, please contact the Elgin Police Department..."

By leveraging the power of storytelling and public engagement, "Somebody Knows Something" seeks to unearth new leads that could finally bring resolution to Karen Schepers' enduring mystery.

Disclaimer:
This summary is based on a podcast transcript and is intended to provide an overview of the episode's content. All discussed theories and statements are part of an ongoing investigation, and no conclusions should be drawn without official confirmation from the Elgin Police Department.