North Aurora Police Link DNA to 1979 Unsolved Murder

North Aurora police have identified the person responsible for the 1979 murder of Kathy Halle. The 19-year-old Halle disappeared on March 29, 1979, after leaving her home. Her body was discovered in the Fox River just south of the I-88 bridge in North Aurora, nearly a month later.

According to North Aurora police, advancements in technology linked DNA evidence to suspected serial killer Bruce Lindahl in the Halle case.

Officials read a statement from the Halle family, who asked for privacy:

"While revisiting this case has been extremely difficult for our family, we are deeply grateful to have closure after 45 long years. Thanks to advancements in DNA technology and groundbreaking investigative tools, we are hopeful that other families won’t have to endure the same pain and uncertainty we faced for so many years. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the North Aurora Police Department and all the agencies and organizations involved for their dedication, persistence, and for never giving up, even when the odds seemed impossible. The kindness and respect shown to our family during this journey will never be forgotten."

Lindahl, who died in 1981, is also connected to the 1976 murder of Pamela Maurer of Lisle and is suspected in several other cases involving young women in DuPage, Kane, and Kendall counties during the 1970s.​