DNA confirms death of Neuqua grad
The remains of a body discovered in a park near Northern Illinois University have been positively identified as Neuqua Valley High School graduate Antinette “Toni” Keller of Plainfield, authorities said Thursday morning.
DNA taken from the charred remains have been matched to the 18-year-old NIU freshman who was reported missing Oct. 14, said DeKalb Police Chief Bill Feithen.
The identification was announced during a brief status court appearance for William “Billy” Curl, 34, Feithen said. Curl remains in jail on a $5 million bail after being charged Nov. 1 with five counts of first-degree murder, one count of arson and one count of criminal sexual assault in Keller's death.
If found guilty of the charges, Curl would be eligible for the death penalty.
The next status date for Curl is scheduled for Feb. 17 at the DeKalb County Courthouse, Feithen said.