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The “Happy Face Killer” was some of the disturbing serial killers of the 90s. While he was arrested in 1995 and is serving a life sentence, the story of the killer has captivated true crime followers for years. After his 1995 arrest, he claimed to be answerable for 160 murders, however solely eight have formally been linked to the Happy Face Killer.
A variety of podcasts have coated the story of the Happy Face Killer. There have additionally been films loosely primarily based on him and the murders. His daughter Melissa Moore additionally wrote the e book Shattered Silence about her expertise rising up with a serial killer for a dad. Melissa’s story performs a component within the Paramount+ sequence Happy Face. Learn extra concerning the true story behind the Happy Face Killer.
What Did the Happy Face Killer Do?
The Happy Face Killer has been linked to eight murders that befell between 1990 and 1995. He strangled most of his victims, a few of whom had been intercourse staff. It took years to determine among the victims, with the final one being recognized in October 2023, as Suzanne Kjellenberg, in keeping with CNN. The assassin was arrested in 1995 following the homicide of Julie Winningham. He was given three life sentences, and in January 2010, he acquired a fourth.
Why Was He Called the “Happy Face” Killer?
The killer was given his notorious nickname shortly after his first homicide of Taunja Bennet in 1990. After the information of Bennet’s dying, Laverne Pavlinac had falsely confessed to the homicide, claiming that her then-boyfriend John Sosnovske was accountable, per People. She had claimed that her relationship was abusive and noticed the confession as an opportunity to finish the connection. Following her confession, each she and her boyfriend had been convicted and spent 4 years in jail for the homicide.
In 1994, the killer wrote the letter, which earned him the nickname. It was a confession letter to The Oregonian newspaper, the place he detailed 5 murders, together with Bennet’s. He signed the letter with a drawing of a Happy Face, thus incomes the nickname, per The New York Times.
Who Is the Happy Face Killer?
After his arrest, the Happy Face Killer’s identification was revealed to be Keith Hunter Jesperson. He had been married to Rose Hucke from 1975 to 1990, after they divorced. They had 4 kids collectively, together with their eldest daughter Melissa, who was 10 after they cut up. Jesperson had labored as a trucker, and through certainly one of his journeys Rose left with the youngsters, suspecting that he was having an affair.
Who Is Playing the Happy Face Killer within the New Show?
The sequence from Paramount+ might be primarily based on an iHeartMedia podcast Happy Face, in addition to Moore’s e book and her personal experiences. The present stars Annaleigh Ashford as Melissa, whereas Dennis Quaid performed Keith. It premiered on March 20, 2025.
Happy Face Trailer