Full Stop

The investigation into the disappearance of art student Antinette "Toni" Keller is now a homicide investigation, officials said today.

But remains found in a secluded park where she was last headed are so badly burned, they can't be positively identified as Keller's, officials added. Items belonging to Keller were found near the remains, officials have said.

Officials also disclosed that the remains were found on Oct. 16, just two days after Keller disappeared. But officials said they were unable to determine whether the remains were human.

It was not until a week later, on Oct. 23, that officials determined they were human and held a news conference to announce the discovery.

I understand why the parents of a lot of students at NIU would really, really love to yank their kids out of there right now.

Again, my thoughts prayers go out to Toni's family, the Dekalb PD, the students and staff of NIU and the folks in the surrounding community. This is a terrible, terrible thing.