What You Need to Know
• Detectives Houghton and Vartarian were assigned to Elgin’s cold case unit in 2024, which included podcasting.
• The podcast helped generate tips and structure the investigation into the case of a missing 23-year-old.
• In March 2025, divers found the missing person, Schepers, and her car at the bottom of the Fox River.
Detectives Houghton and Vartarian were assigned to the Elgin Police Department’s cold case unit in 2024, which included the unexpected task of creating a podcast. Initially skeptical, the detectives found that producing episodes helped them develop theories about the case of a missing 23-year-old, leading to valuable tips from the community. Their investigation culminated in March 2025 when they located the remains of the missing individual, identified as Schepers, and her vehicle using advanced sonar technology and divers in the Fox River. The podcast has since entered its third season, shifting formats to cover various cases while continuing to engage the public in ongoing investigations.
Why It Matters
The use of podcasts by police departments, such as the Elgin Police Department, represents a growing trend in law enforcement to leverage media for community engagement and investigative purposes. As departments face budget constraints, innovative tools like podcasts may enhance recruitment and retention by providing insight into police work. The success of the Elgin podcast illustrates how modern technology and social media can aid traditional investigative methods, potentially leading to more effective resolutions of cold cases.
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