VERNON HILLS (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Crews have recovered a body from a pond in Vernon Hills a day after recovering the car of a missing Carpentersville teen.
The body was recovered Tuesday afternoon, officials said. Police say they believe 17-year-old Brissa Romero was in her Nissan Rogue when it went into the pond.
“Our hearts go out to Brissa's family on this difficult day. A body was recovered early this afternoon in the continued search for Brissa Romero, the Carpentersville teen who went missing on her way to a holiday party in Vernon Hills on December 4, 2023,” the Village of Carpentersville Public Safety Department said on social media.
“We would like to thank the Vernon Hills Police Department, the Countryside Fire Protection District, and everyone who assisted in the search effort.”
Identification of the body was pending, authorities said.
Police said a vehicle belonging to 17-year-old Brissa Romero — who went missing one week ago — was pulled from a retention pond Monday afternoon. Law enforcement suspended their search for Romero at 5 p.m.
In a press conference Monday afternoon, Vernon Hills Police Chief Patrick Kreis said cell phone data led investigators to a retention pond near Executive Way and Lakeview Parkway. When officers arrived, Kreis said a resident pointed out a backpack that appeared to have floated to the shore.
The officer determined that the backpack belonged to Brissa, Kreis said. That led to a search of the pond, where police found and recovered Brissa’s vehicle, a 2008 Nissan Rogue.
The 17-year-old was believed to have been on her way to a holiday party at the Bowlero in Vernon Hills, but she never arrived. Kreis said surveillance footage showed Brissa picking up food from a restaurant and driving away.
Brissa’s sister, Dulce Romero, also spoke at the press conference. Dulce thanked both departments for their cooperation.
“We will find her,” Dulce said.
Kreis said the vehicle will be towed to a secure location, so investigators can take a closer look. He added that the rear hatch of the Nissan was open.
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