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Missing NIU student

By Susan Stephens

DeKalb, IL –

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 24:

Heightened security continues today at Northern Illinois University. Police announced over the weekend a body had been found in a thickly wooded area near campus. It's the same park where 18-year-old Antinette Keller had told friends she was going when she was last seen October 14th. They also said the missing person's case had been re-classified as a death investigation.

The body has not been officially identified. But DeKalb Police Chief Bill Feithen told reporters Saturday night items found with the body were consistent with possessions belonging to Keller. Feithen heads the DeKalb County Major Case Squad in this investigation. He would not release many details about the body that was found, except that it had been in the location since "a short time after her disappearance." Feithen also told the DeKalb Daily Chronicle that remains were found "early in the investigation," but would not elaborate.

Meanwhile, Northern Illinois University has increased security, cautioning students to travel in groups of three or more. Students must present an official school identification card for access to their own residence halls. Campus is open and classes will take place as scheduled.

A group that has organized support for Keller and her family is urging students to wear yellow today: it's to honor Keller AND raise awareness of all missing and exploited people.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23: The investigation into the disappearance of Northern Illinois University student Antinette "Toni" Keller was changed from "missing person" to "death investigation" Saturday night. Searchers found a body in a densely-wooded area of Prairie Park. That's the 150-acre park near N.I.U.'s campus where Keller had told friends she was going when she was last seen October 14th. Investigators have been sweeping the park since Keller was reported missing October 15th.

The body has not been officially identified. But DeKalb Police Chief Bill Feithen told reporters Saturday night items found with the body were consistent with the belongings Keller is said to have taken with her on her walk to the woods. Earlier in the investigation, it was reported she was carrying a high-quality camera and a clipboard or sketch pad, because she was working on an art project. Feithen also would not specify when the remains were found: he would only say it was "a process that has taken some time." Keller's family was notified Saturday afternoon about the discovery of human remains at the park.

Feithen heads the DeKalb County Major Case Squad in this investigation. He would not release many details about the body that was found, except that it had been in the location since "a short time after her disappearance."

Northern Illinois University has increased security, cautioning students to travel on or near campus in groups of three or more. Residence halls are only open to students at this time, and they must present an official school identification card for access. Counselors are available on campus for students and community members. Campus is open and classes will take place as scheduled.

Anyone with information about suspicious activities in the area of Prairie Park on or around October 14th is urged to contact the Major Case Squad at 815-748-8407.