Utilizing advanced DNA testing and analysis funded by Season of Justice, North Aurora PD announces they’ve successfully identified the person who murdered Kathy Halle in 1979.
North Aurora, IL (October 23, 2024) – Today, the North Aurora PD announced the successful identification of the person who killed 19-year-old Kathy Halle as serial killer Bruce Lindahl (d. 1981). In May 2023, the North Aurora PD was awarded a grant from Season of Justice to fund advanced forensic testing and analysis conducted by DNA Labs International, which ultimately led investigators to identify Lindahl.
In 1979, 19-year-old Kathy Halle’s remains were discovered in the Fox River, just south of I-88 in North Aurora, IL after being missing for nearly a month. The identity of her killer eluded detectives for decades, but thanks to breakthroughs in forensic science and DNA analysis, detectives were able to connect Lindahl to the murder. Lindahl may be responsible for as many as 12 murders and nine rapes in the western suburbs in the 70s and early 80s. Lindahl died in the early 1980s, when he accidentally killed himself while stabbing another victim in Naperville. Learn more about the investigation here.
Season of Justice is honored to have played a small role in supporting this cold case investigation and obtaining justice for Kathy and her family. While this does not bring Kathy back, we hope this resolution offers some peace to the Halle family. Season of Justice extends its deepest gratitude to the NAPD detectives who never gave up on solving this case, and to our donors who make these grants possible.
Watch the full press conference below: