Mysterious Disappearance of a Beloved Journalist Remains Unsolved After Decades

Colleagues described her as a positive and kind-hearted woman, while her loved ones often spoke of her warmth and compassion. What truly happened to the ambitious journalist one summer day in 1995?

Jodi Huesentruit was a shining star on American television. Every morning, thousands across the United States woke up to her radiant smile and clear voice announcing the start of a new day and the promise of new achievements. On June 27, 1995, she was scheduled for her usual shift but never arrived.

"She Was Beautiful, Charismatic, and Intelligent"

Born on June 5, 1968, in Long Prairie, Minnesota, Jodi was the youngest daughter in her family, cherished deeply by her parents. Known for her obedience and kindness, she was praised by teachers for exemplary behavior and academic success, excelling not only in core subjects but also extracurricular activities. Jodi loved sports, participating in basketball, softball, and later becoming a key member of her high school golf team, earning multiple prestigious awards.

After graduating high school, Jodi enrolled at St. Cloud State University, majoring in mass and speech communications, dreaming of becoming a famous journalist. Initially, fate led her away from the camera to the skies, working as a flight attendant for Northwest Airlines. In 1993, she moved to Iowa and began working as a reporter for a local TV station. Gaining experience, she soon joined KIMT-TV as the morning news anchor.

"She was beautiful, charming, and smart," said her colleague Robin Wolfram. "She was like a bright morning light that helped people start their day," noted her supervisor, Doug Merbach.

Despite a flourishing career, Jodi aspired for more. Her contract was set to expire in fall 1995, and she planned not to renew it. She dreamed of moving to a larger city and working for a bigger network, but fate had other plans...

"Jodi, Open the Door. I Know You're There"

On the morning of June 27, 1995, Amy Koons, producer at KIMT-TV, called Jodi at home. Jodi apologized for being late and promised to arrive soon. However, she never made it to the studio that day.

Her colleagues had to cover the morning broadcast, which was unusual given Jodi's reliability and dedication. Concerned, Amy contacted the police.

Investigators found nothing overtly suspicious in Jodi’s apartment except a raised toilet seat in the bathroom. Since she lived alone, this suggested a male visitor. Her red Mazda was parked outside, with personal belongings scattered nearby, indicating a possible struggle.

Witnesses reported seeing a large white van near her car, though no one could identify the driver. Neighbors also heard a loud woman’s scream and an unknown man pounding on Jodi's door early that morning, saying, "Jodi, open the door. I know you're there."

The investigation began immediately, with local broadcasts sharing updates and volunteers offering assistance.

The Search Continues

Jodi’s close friends were the first to be questioned. Her best friend, John Vanceys, revealed that Jodi had visited him the night before to watch a video from her 27th birthday. Afterward, she went home and was never heard from again.

John was initially a prime suspect but passed multiple lie detector tests and was eventually cleared. However, many in Mason City believed he should remain under scrutiny, citing rumors of unrequited love and jealousy when Jodi dated others.

FBI profiler and writer Jim Clement analyzed the birthday video and noted John's hostile body language and expressions of anger when Jodi interacted with other men.

John’s close friend LaDonna Woodford countered these claims, stating John and she spoke early that morning and went for a walk, unaware Jodi was missing. John’s behavior was normal and not suspicious.

Persistent Calls from Admirers

Jodi’s older sister, Joanne, shared that Jodi was adored by many viewers and frequently received calls from suitors. Months before her disappearance, Jodi reported being followed by a man in a black pickup truck during her morning runs and commutes. Despite reporting the stalking to police, the man was never found. Strange calls also began to plague her phone, and she planned to change her number shortly before vanishing.

Another Suspect Emerges

Tony Jackson, a nearby college student, became a new person of interest. Days before Jodi's disappearance, he had invited a friend to her favorite bar to meet her, aiming to learn about the TV industry. Though their conversation's details remain unknown, Tony was convicted in 1998 for kidnapping, sexual assault, and theft. Fellow inmate Dennis Goff claimed Tony rapped about hiding a body near Tiffin, Iowa, hinting at Jodi’s remains.

Authorities searched the indicated site but found no remains. DNA tests and polygraphs failed to link Tony to Jodi’s case conclusively.

Questions Surrounding Law Enforcement

After six years, Jodi was declared deceased, but her family refused to accept this and continued the search. In 2003, colleagues Josh Benson and Gary Peterson launched FindJodi.com, compiling information and interviews about her disappearance.

By 2019, the case remained open. Three billboards in Mason City displayed Jodi’s photos with the message: "Someone knows something. Could it be you?" One billboard was vandalized with the phrase "Frank Sterns' Barn." Sterns, a retired police officer and medical examiner in Cerro Gordo County, was immediately cleared of involvement.

Rumors about police involvement surfaced in 2011 when former Mason City officer Maria Ohl accused colleagues, including Sterns, but no evidence supported her claims.

Jodi was reportedly investigating harsh treatment of inmates at Cerro Gordo jail before disappearing and had received threats from officers trying to halt her reporting.

"Some People Know How Her Story Ends"

Private investigator Steve Ridge took on the case in recent years. After reviewing all data, he concluded Jodi is no longer alive and believes multiple people were involved. He uncovered that just over a week before vanishing, Jodi had a passionate romance with a man she met at a bar, a relationship kept secret from friends and family.

"I am certain her new relationship played a crucial role. Her disappearance was not a random act of violence or a stranger’s crime; it was someone she knew well, someone aware of her personal life and relationships," Ridge explained.

He also discovered that the red Mazda Jodi drove was only half paid for, with the remaining amount covered by an acquaintance of a colleague. The purchase was incomplete at the time of her disappearance. Ridge did not disclose the helper’s identity but suggested that this generous gift indicated admiration and possibly jealousy, posing a threat to Jodi.

Despite these insights, the investigation remains stalled. In September 2023, Ridge announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to the discovery of Jodi’s remains.

Jodi’s family holds onto hope for truth. "She had a bright future ahead and deserved to enjoy every moment with us. We continue praying for help to solve this case," they said. On the 28th anniversary of her disappearance, they issued a plea for information, but no new leads have surfaced.

Photos: Getty Images, social media

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