On August 22, 2010, in DeKalb, Illinois, Antinette “Toni” Keller, an 18-year-old freshman at Northern Illinois University, tells her friends she’s heading out for a walk in Prairie Park. The sun casts long shadows as she steps into the nature preserve, unaware that this serene setting will soon become the scene of a chilling crime. As night falls with no sign of Toni, worry turns to dread, and a massive search effort begins, mobilizing hundreds of volunteers and law enforcement officers.
Days later, on August 28, the community’s worst fears are confirmed. In a remote section of the park, investigators discover Toni’s burned remains. The peaceful park has become a haunting landscape of loss and unanswered questions. The investigation intensifies, and all eyes turn to William “Billy” Curl, a local man whose DNA is linked to the crime scene. The evidence is damning, and Curl eventually confesses to the horrific acts of sexual assault and murder.
In April 2011, the courtroom echoes with the weight of justice as Curl pleads guilty to first-degree murder, aggravated criminal sexual assault, and arson. He is sentenced to life in prison without parole, leaving a community forever changed by the tragedy of August 22.
Story Source: Investigative TV show titled “See No Evil,” Season 4, Episode 9, “The Girl on the Poster” (2018, Arrow Media)
