Missing NIU Student
By: Marty Kasper
Updated: October 19, 2010
Antinette Keller, or Toni as she goes by, disappeared last Thursday while taking a walk near the NIU campus. Her unusual disappearance has left students and school officials coping with absence of one of their own.
“It makes me feel pretty upset actually, the fact that people can’t even go outside their dorms and walk around town without something happing to them, it’s pretty awful,” said freshman Ryan Chodora.
Keller hasn’t been heard from since she left her Neptune North dormitory and headed for a walk near West Lincoln Highway.
On Tuesday, NIU officials held a press event for students to provide them with ideas on how they can help in the search, but advised them not to go out on their own.
Officials want students “to pass out fliers, to call their friends and their family members and say, 'hey, we're okay, but can you help us get the word out to let people know that Toni is not where she should be right now.' and we just want Toni to come home safe," said Public Information Officer Alan Smith.
Police say Keller was headed towards a wooded area just off campus when she disappeared. Toni was last seen wearing blue jeans, a grey jacket, and a scarf. Officials believe she was also carrying her art portfolio and a professional camera.
Officials are asking anyone with information to contact the NIU Department of Public Safety by phone at 815-753-1212.
