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DeKalb man arrested in Keller murder

By Susan Stephens

DeKalb, IL – A 34-year-old DeKalb man is being held in the DeKalb County jail on five-million dollars bond for the murder of Northern Illinois University freshman Antinette "Toni" Keller.

William "Billy" Curl is charged with five counts of first degree murder, criminal sexual assault, and arson. Curl was found in Covington, Louisiana and arrested Tuesday, October 26th. Police had become interested in him after he failed to show up for a second interview with investigators from the DeKalb County Major Case Squad. DeKalb Police Chief Bill Feithen said Curl took his mother's car and fled to Mexico, but returned to the U.S., where he was found looking for a job as a day laborer.

Feithen says Curl was not a student at N.I.U., and he does not believe Curl knew Keller. He called it a "crime of opportunity." Feithen also said the police department was "acquainted" with Curl, but would not elaborate.

Police are still looking for more information from the public about Curl's presence in Prairie Park between October 14th and 18th. Prairie Park is the large preserve where Keller told friends she was heading when she was last seen October 14th. Burned human remains were also found there within a few days of her disappearance. DNA tests are still being conducted on the remains to confirm an identity.

Curl is scheduled to appear in DeKalb County Court Saturday morning at 8:30.