Antinette "Toni" Keller Update: Investigators Positively Identify Body of Slain NIU Student

SYCAMORE, Ill. (CBS/AP) Investigators have confirmed that bone fragment DNA taken from the severely charred remains found in a DeKalb park in October belong to missing Northern Illinois University art student Antinette "Toni" Keller.

PICTURES: Antinette Keller Missing

The DNA test results were submitted as evidence during a hearing Thursday for 34-year-old William Curl of DeKalb, who was arrested on Oct. 29, two weeks after the 18-year-old freshman from Plainfield disappeared. Curl is charged with first-degree murder, criminal sexual assault and arson in Keller's death.

The 18-year-old reportedly told friends Oct. 14 she was going to work on an art project in popular Prairie Park, just west of Chicago. Her remains were found two days later, but it took some time for investigators to confirm that the body was in fact Keller's because it was so severely burned.

Prosecutors said DNA was taken from Keller's parents to confirm the remains were hers. Police also found Keller's burned clothing and her cell phone nearby.

County public defender Regina Harris requested a continuance at Thursday's hearing to examine the thousands of pages of evidence in Curl's case and await completion of a psychological evaluation.

Investigators said it appears to have been a crime of opportunity and that Curl did not know Keller.

Police said they interviewed Curl because he was known to frequent the park. They said he failed to show up for further questioning and instead fled to Mexico in a stolen Ford Explorer.

He crossed the border into Mexico but returned to Louisiana where he was arrested Oct. 26 at a motel, investigators said.

Curl is being held in the DeKalb County jail on a more than $5 million bond.

COMPLETE COVERAGE OF THE ANTINETTE "TONI" KELLER CASE ON CRIMESIDER