What started as a way for a pair of two Illinois detectives to crowdsource tips to solve decades-old cold cases ended in a shocking discovery. 

Detectives Andrew Houghton and Matt Vartanian aimed to revitalize unsolved cases by starting the true-crime podcast, “Somebody Knows Something,” in October 2024, prompted by Elgin Police Department Chief Ana Lalley. Their mission was to employ modern investigative technology to potentially bring resolution to local families.

“We both kind of looked at each other and said, ‘No, I’m not really sure that’s for us’,” Vartanian shared with Fox News Digital. “Then we reconsidered, maintaining an open and objective mindset, and realized this could be a valuable tool for applying investigative processes within law enforcement.”

“This case was unique in that we had no idea what happened to her,” Houghton noted. “Don’t be afraid to fail, don’t fear looking foolish. Ultimately, the goal is to find this person, and we achieved that in this instance. If we attempt this five more times and succeed only once, it remains worthwhile. Even if we solve just one case out of five or ten attempts, it makes all the difference for that family.”

Houghton and Vartanian are already planning on the next case to revive in the second season of their podcast, telling Fox News Digital it will likely be a homicide investigation. 

Houghton and Vartanian were able to provide her 90-year-old mother with two items recovered from her vehicle – her sapphire birthstone ring and class of 1977 high school graduation tassel – providing a sense of closure for Schepers’ loved ones as the mystery surrounding her disappearance finally comes to a close. 

“We hope for continued success on each and every cold case,” Schepers’ family said. “Miracles do happen.”