North Aurora's 1979 murder tied to notorious serial killer Bruce Lindahl: police
NORTH AURORA, Ill. - The murder of a woman in North Aurora 45 years ago has finally been solved.
On March 29, 1979, Kathy Halle left her home in North Aurora to pick up her sister from the Northgate Shopping Center but never arrived, according to authorities.
For the next three weeks, the case was investigated as a missing persons report.
On April 24, 1979, Halle's body was discovered in the Fox River, at which point the Illinois State Police began assisting with the homicide investigation.
In the early 2000s, as new DNA technology emerged, North Aurora detectives collected DNA from individuals connected to Halle. However, all the tests returned negative results.
In September 2019, Lisle police reopened the Pamela Mauer case and identified DNA that linked to known serial killer Bruce Lindahl. This prompted a reinvestigation of Halle's case in 2020, during which evidence was inspected and sent to the DuPage County crime lab for additional testing.
In December 2022, North Aurora officials discovered a box of evidence in Naperville that indicated Lindahl's connection to the Northgate Shopping Center.
After speaking with individuals at DNA Labs International in Florida, the North Aurora Police Department was able to receive a grant to cover the cost of testing DNA in the Halle case.
In August of this year, results showed that Lindahl's DNA was found on Halle's clothing.
Investigators concluded that she was taken from her home and murdered that night in March 1979.
Lindahl was identified as responsible for her murder and died by suicide while committing another murder in Naperville in 1981.
"This was a long and challenging investigation, but today we’re able to give the Halle family the answers they’ve waited decades for," said detective Ryan Peat, who led the investigation.
If Lindahl was still alive, he would have been charged in Halle's murder based on the new evidence that has been discovered, according to State's Attorney Jamie Mosser.
"This case would have been charged in a court of law had Bruce Lindahl not died in 1981. His pattern of violence, combined with the DNA evidence we now have, leaves no doubt that he was responsible for Kathy’s tragic death. While we cannot prosecute Lindahl, the family now knows the truth, and justice—though delayed—has finally been served for Kathy," Mosser said.
Halle's family issued a statement on the case, shared below:
"While revisiting this case has been incredibly difficult for our family, we are deeply grateful to finally 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."
Anyone with more information about Lindahl or any possible victims is urged to contact the North Aurora Police Department at 630-897-8705.