Episode 6: Serial Killers on the Fox

Release Date: March 17, 2025
Podcast: Somebody Knows Something
Host/Author: EPD Cold Case
Hosted By: Detective Andrew Houghton and Detective Matt Vartanian

Introduction to Season and Episode

Season 1 of Somebody Knows Something delves into the haunting disappearance of 23-year-old Karen Schepers, who vanished without a trace on April 16, 1983, after a night out with co-workers. In Episode 6: Serial Killers on the Fox, Detectives Andrew Houghton and Matt Vartanian expand their investigation by exploring the landscape of serial killers active in the Fox Valley area during the early 1980s, examining whether any of these individuals could be linked to Karen's unresolved case.

Setting the Stage: Karen Schepers' Disappearance

The episode begins with a brief recap of Karen's disappearance, emphasizing the geographical context:

Detective Andrew Houghton [02:05]: "Last episode we revealed information about a new lead regarding notes left on a car in the parking lot at PM Bentley's, and this week we're moving on to theory number three."

Karen was last seen near PM Bentley's, a bar located on the east side of the Fox River, alongside her residence and Terry's old house. Detectives discuss the possible routes Karen might have taken after leaving the bar, highlighting the proximity of key locations:

Detective Matt Vartanian [02:26]: "In this episode, we will make an assumption that Karen did leave in her vehicle alone and had planned to drive back to Elgin."

They consider various possibilities, including Karen potentially meeting someone during her drive:

Detective Houghton [02:52]: "Even if she drove by there, she's still staying on the east side of the river."

Exploring Serial Killers Active in the Early 1980s

The core of the episode focuses on three serial killers or groups active during the early 1980s, examining their modus operandi (MO) and potential connections to Karen's case.

1. Bruce Lindahl

Detectives discuss Bruce Lindahl, whose arrest in 2024 for the 1979 murder of Kathy Holly reignited speculations about his possible involvement in Karen's disappearance:

Detective Matt Vartanian [05:20]: "The first serial killer we want to discuss came to our attention when North Aurora solved the case in 2024."

Lindahl's history includes multiple abductions and murders, but his death in 1981 excludes him from being a suspect in Karen's 1983 disappearance:

Detective Vartanian [10:16]: "Both Robin and Edward remain incarcerated to this day. And Thomas was actually released in May of 2024 and is currently living in central Illinois."

2. The Ripper Crew

Next, the detectives explore the Ripper Crew, a group responsible for the brutal murders of up to 20 women across Chicagoland in the early 1980s:

Detective Matt Vartanian [08:31]: "Another tip that came back to police in 1983 involved a serial killer group known as the Ripper Crew."

The crew’s involvement in other cold cases, such as Renee Tovar's, is discussed, but their arrest in late 1982 rules them out as direct suspects in Karen's case:

Detective Andrew Houghton [10:36]: "We can also rule them out as being involved in Karen's case."

3. Brian Dugan

The most detailed segment centers on Brian Dugan, a known serial killer with a pattern that bears similarities to Karen's disappearance:

Detective Matt Vartanian [12:02]: "There's one more person that tipsters have brought to our attention as possibly involved in Karen's disappearance. That person's name is Brian Dugan."

Background and MO:
Dugan's criminal history is explored, highlighting the McDonald Triad—a set of behaviors (chronic bedwetting, fire setting, animal cruelty) indicative of potential violent tendencies:

Detective Houghton [13:08]: "Brian Dugan had all three of those [McDonald Triad] behaviors."

Dugan's confirmed victims include Melissa Ackerman, Janine Nicaraco, and Donna Schnorr, with each case displaying unplanned, opportunistic violence:

Detective Vartanian [16:13]: "Dugan had later admitted to abducting, raping and strangling Melissa before dumping her body in that creek."

Potential Link to Karen's Case:
Despite differences in their MOs, similarities in victim profiles and circumstances prompt the detectives to consider Dugan as a viable suspect:

Detective Houghton [22:10]: "Dugan had also abducted a 19-year-old woman who escaped from him and successfully abducted and raped a 16-year-old in the days after that."

Detectives ponder whether Dugan could have run Karen off the road similarly to Donna Schnorr:

Detective Matt Vartanian [19:49]: "So Dugan's MO is not identical to Karen's case, but Karen was a young female in her 20s, potentially driving home alone that night. Similar to Donna's situation."

Interview with Brian Dugan

In a significant turn, Detectives Houghton and Vartanian secure an interview with Brian Dugan at the Pontiac Correctional Facility. They describe the facility's austere environment and Dugan’s demeanor:

Detective Houghton [26:29]: "Brian is 68 years old and he certainly looks it. He has gray hair and uses a walker to help him get around."

During the interview, Dugan offers no new information linking him to Karen’s disappearance:

Detective Houghton [27:46]: "Dugan didn't have anything new to tell us, but he has always maintained that he does not have any outstanding cases."

The detectives emphasize the importance of keeping all avenues open:

Detective Matt Vartanian [27:57]: "So at this point, we don't have any physical evidence that would link Brian Dugan to Karen's case. But we also don't have Karen's car or her body."

Theories and Ongoing Investigations

The detectives outline their ongoing efforts to explore every possible lead, emphasizing the need for community assistance and the utilization of new technology:

Detective Houghton [28:38]: "In our next episode, we are changing up the order of our theories... a massive search for Karen in area bodies of water is now becoming a reality."

They plan to investigate bodies of water along possible travel routes Karen might have taken, considering Dugan’s method of concealing victims:

Detective Vartanian [20:30]: "It is possible that he could have been close enough to simply conceal maybe both her body and the vehicle and that she just hasn't been found."

Conclusion and Future Focus

Episode 6 concludes with Detectives Houghton and Vartanian reaffirming their commitment to solving Karen Schepers' case by exploring all potential leads, including those involving known serial offenders like Brian Dugan. They highlight the complexity and interconnectivity of multiple cold cases in the region, underscoring the importance of sustained investigative efforts and community involvement.

Detective Matt Vartanian [25:44]: "Well, like we've said before, we decided at the start of this investigation that no tip or theory should be off the table for this case."

The upcoming episodes will continue to track the detectives' journey as they uncover new routes Karen may have taken and employ advanced search techniques in their quest for answers.

Notable Quotes:

• Chief Anna Lally [01:43]: "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 [22:48]: "It seems more likely to me that he would kill people that he thought he could get away with killing, not that he was afraid that he'd get caught so he would kill these kids."

• Detective Matt Vartanian [23:31]: "So even though we can't specifically link Dugan to this case, and there are some differences between his cases and Karen's disappearance, there is enough there that we wanted to talk to Brian."

Final Note:

This episode underscores the tangled web of unsolved cases and the persistent efforts of law enforcement to seek justice. By highlighting past serial offenders, Detectives Houghton and Vartanian aim to shed light on possible connections that could finally bring closure to Karen Schepers' family and the Elgin community.