At a press conference held earlier today, the North Aurora Police Department (NAPD) announced the resolution of the 1979 cold case murder of Kathy Halle. After more than four decades, investigators have identified serial killer Bruce Lindahl as the individual responsible for her death, thanks to advanced DNA technology and the persistence of dedicated detectives.

On March 29, 1979, Kathy Halle, 19, left her home on Volks Court in North Aurora to pick up her sister at Northgate Shopping Center in Aurora. She never arrived. Weeks later, on April 24, 1979, Halle’s body was discovered in the Fox River. Despite extensive investigative efforts, the case remained unsolved for years.

In 2019, the Lisle Police Department’s investigation into the murder of Pam Maurer led to a breakthrough when familial DNA linked Bruce Lindahl to the crime. Lindahl, already identified as a serial killer, became a key suspect in several cold cases, including that of Kathy Halle. By 2020, NAPD, in collaboration with Lisle PD and other agencies, reopened Halle’s case and sent old evidence for further testing using modern DNA technology.

In August 2024, DNA Labs International (DLI) confirmed that DNA found on Kathy Halle’s clothing was 9.4 trillion times more likely to have originated from Lindahl. With this definitive evidence, and patterns from Lindahl’s known crimes, NAPD concluded that Lindahl was responsible for Halle’s murder.

It is believed that on the night of Kathy’s disappearance, Lindahl was able to abduct Kathy in the parking lot of her apartment complex. He then drove her to the area of the Fox River where her body was discovered on April 24, 1979. Lindahl had died in 1981 while committing another murder in Naperville.

Detective Ryan Peat, who led the investigation, outlined the extensive work undertaken by the NAPD to bring this case to a close. He highlighted the importance of never giving up on a case: “This was a long and challenging investigation, but today we’re able to give the Halle family the answers they’ve waited decades for.”

Police Chief Joe DeLeo gave opening remarks and expressed gratitude to the investigative team. “This case reflects the North Aurora Police Department’s commitment to seeking justice for victims, no matter how much time passes. Today, we honor that commitment.”

State’s Attorney Jamie Mosser affirmed that if Lindahl were still alive, he would have been charged for Kathy Halle’s murder based on the evidence now uncovered. “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.”

Deputy Chief Joe Gorski read a statement on behalf of the Halle family, who were present at the conference. “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.”

Mayor Mark Gaffino spoke on behalf of the Village of North Aurora, expressing pride in the efforts of the NAPD. “North Aurora has always had a police department that strives to put our community first and support its members from the smallest of incidents to horrific tragedies such as this. To see the department continue to work this case year after year even when the technology did not exist to pursue such leads and never give up on achieving justice for Kathy Halle and her family make me so proud to be a resident of North Aurora and so grateful for the hard work and dedication of all our officers.”

Anyone with information about Bruce Lindahl or any possible victims is asked to contact the North Aurora Police Department at (630) 897-8705.

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Nicholas Jenz (331) 343-9482 | JenzNicholas@KaneCountyIL.gov

Kane County Judicial Center 37W777 Route 38, Suite 300, St. Charles, IL 60175