Also making people aware that it's still unsolved, 11 years later.". ", Amy Shreve Jett, of Little Rock, Ark., said she'd never heard of Kesse's case before Gurd shared a trailer for the show with Facebook fans of another true crime podcast, "Up and Vanished.". But one series of photos caught their attention. We really havent seen the general public involved in this type of cold case exploration before these podcasts, he said. Jennifer Kesse was reported missing after she didnt show up to work on the morning of January 24, 2006. "It looked like someone was thrown down on the top of the hood arms spread out and then dragged back almost like off the hood to the point where you can almost see fingers scribbling down the hood," the father of Jennifer Kesse, who vanished without a trace in 2006, said. Monday marks 16 years since Jennifer Kesse disappeared. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. Google searches taught him how to edit audio and submit the episodes to iTunes. "I sit at my kitchen table and record after my kids go to bed and I put my dogs away.". And no oneknows where she is.". Jennifer Kesse When Tampa fifth-grade teacher Shaun Gurd first learned of the 11-year-old Orlando missing persons case of Jennifer Kesse, he grew obsessed with cracking the case. So far, Gurd and Jamison haveproduced six episodes and several other smaller broadcasts. The hosts of the "Unconcluded" podcast are investigating leads in the case of missing Orlando woman Jennifer Kesse. He started the podcast solely to bring Jennifer home. An unknown person was later seen on surveillance video parking Kesse's car at an apartment complex about a mile away. But that lead has never led to any arrests, USA Todayreportedin 2017. Kesse was a graduate of Gaither High School in Tampa. "I wish everyone could have a daughter like her," he said. They tell their listeners they're "not police, reporters or investigators." "48 Hours" correspondent Peter Van Sant reports. Police later found her car parked at another condominium complex a mile away and grainy surveillance video captured the image of a person leaving the car and walking way. Jennifer Kesse Jennifer Kesse case podcast going viral, sparking new interest "We don't have to be impartial. Jennifer Kesse, 24, disappeared from Orlando, Fla., on Jan. 24, 2006. 2023 FOX Television Stations, Drew Kesse believes, the markings on the hood, show signs of a violent struggle, Dive teams search lake following new tip on Jennifer Kesse, missing since 2006, Get news alerts and updates in the free FOX 13 News app, Watch: Fishermen spot sharks in huge feeding frenzy off Louisiana coast, One month ago, Harriet the eagle disappeared from her famous Florida nest, 3 Daughters head brewer killed in Skyway Bridge accident, company says, Tampa residents of mobile home park get more time to vacate after Hillsborough County contacts landlord, 3 shot, including 6-year-old girl, in Land OLakes home invasion, sheriff says, Tom Sizemore, 'Saving Private Ryan' Actor, Dies at 61 after suffering brain aneurysm, 8-year-old girl who performed solo wins big in cheer competition after team didn't show up, From Coconut Road to Moose Tracks, here's the scoop on how Publix creates its ice cream, North Port brush fire: Roads reopen after fire forces closures on I-75; schools evacuate as precaution. Jennifer Kesse before her disappearance, left, and how she may look today, at right. He estimates that the podcasts are reaching some 50,000 people per month. Seventeen heart-shaped balloons were left at the Mosaic at Millenia complex where Kesse was last seen on January 24, 2006. Father Of Missing Florida Woman Discusses Tip In Case. Where is Jennifer Kesse As we read the files, the detectives on the scene say to the crime scene technicians, it seems as though there was a struggle on the hood, please see what you can do with that, he said. The woman said Kesse was walking with a man. Gurd said he hopes airing the possible sightings will encourage others with information to come forward. Jennifer Kesse disappearance: Family At approximately 8 a.m. on Thursday, January 26, a resident of the Huntington on the Green condominium complex reported they found Jennifer Kesse's car in a visitor's spot in the parking lot. Few clues were discovered when Jennifer Kesse disappeared almost 15 years ago, but her father now says that new images of her abandoned Chevrolet Malibu indicate that she may have been attacked before going missing. Seventeen years ago, Jennifer Kesse disappeared in Orlando in a high-profile case that made national news. 81 2017, 5:20 PM. "48 Hours" correspondent Peter Van Sant reports. Is it the kidnapper? found Jennifer Kesse before her disappearance, left, and how she may look today, at right. And that would be a really good thing.. Jennifer Kesse January 24, 202115 years since Jennifer Kesse went missing, the familys investigating what happened to her and hope to have answers this yearABC 7 / WWSB / My Sun CoastNews Outlet. (Gurd)has brought this back to light in a way I cant, Drew Kesse said. "Previously, only her car was known to be at this location, so if we can somehow place her at this location obviously it'll open up other avenues in this investigation," Gurd said. Kesse was last seen at her Orlando condo near Mall at Millenia. Gurd and Jamison who have families and full-time jobs began working on the podcast earlier this year, buying a microphone on the internet and teaching themselves audio production techniques. Kesse was a graduate of Gaither High School in Tampa. Erik joined the News 6 News Team in 2003 days after the tragic loss of space shuttle Columbia. Jennifer Kesse was reported missing after she didnt show up to work on the morning of January 24, 2006. Jennifer Kesse, 24, disappeared from Orlando, Fla., on Jan. 24, 2006. In three months, "Unconcluded" has averaged about 175,000 unique downloads per month and nearly 1,400 people are members of a Facebook discussion page about the podcast. The determined parents have since admitted they dont expect to find their daughter alive but insist they need answers to find any sense of closure. More than a decade later, Drew Kesse said investigators know little else. Jennifer Kesse When it launched earlier this year, the podcast, Unconcluded, drew around 15,000 downloads. Jennifer Kesse 81 2017, 5:20 PM. The podcast has also pointed out deficiencies in the investigation headed by Orlando Police. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Kesse was 24 years old at the time of her disappearance. Monday marks 16 years since Jennifer Kesse disappeared. He passes on every tip he receives to Orlando police Detective Teresa Sprague, who is in charge of the Kesse case. Two days after Jennifer Kesse went missing, her black Chevy Malibu was found in another condo complex parking lot approximately 1 mile away from where she lived. ORLANDO The disappearance of 24-year-old Jennifer Kesse has vexed investigators, friends and family members since she vanished from her Orlando condo more than 11 years ago. Its been learn as we go, he said. Jervis is a national correspondent for USA TODAY. Jennifer needs to come home, Drew Kesse told USA Today. "When you put your heads together, ideas come up. Two days later, her black Chevy Malibu was found at an apartment complex in a high-crime area of Orlando, about a mile from her condo. Kudos to 'Unconcluded' thus far.". Jennifer Kesse What Happened Before Jennifer Kesse Vanished? They spent the last 18 months pouring over every detail with a fine-tooth comb with their private investigator. Two days after Jennifer Kesse went missing, her black Chevy Malibu was found in another condo complex parking lot approximately 1 mile away from where she lived. Drew Kesse said the discussions can only help the seemingly stagnant case that's caused his family agony for 11 years. Homemade podcast garners interest in Its going to take time. previously reported that no signs of a struggle were evident. Jennifer Kesse has been missing for 17 years: Her family hasn't stopped the search Her family has renewed hope after investigators with the FDLE joined the search. WebJennifer Joyce Kesse (born May 20, 1981) is an American woman from Orlando, Florida, who has been missing since January 23, 2006. The 24-year-old simply vanished and no one has ever been arrested. Her Black Chevy Malibu was found abandoned one mile away from her home in Orlando. "You can kind of form a community around it," he said. Jennifer Kesse was reported missing after she didnt show up to work on the morning of Jan. 24, 2006, according to WKMG. Jennifer Kesse Others followed, including In the Dark, which explored the 1989 abduction and murder of an 11-year-old boy, and Undisclosed, which investigates wrongful convictions, along with a slew of others with names like True Crime Garage and Someone Knows Something. Besides reviving forgotten cases, the podcasts also often embolden witnesses who may have been hesitant to speak up immediately after the initial crime, he said. "We need people to realize that she's a human being.". He has never been identified. "A real-time investigation into the disappearance of Jennifer Kesse," is how Gurd describes it in his bi-monthly podcast. In his podcast, Gurd interviews a woman who claims she saw someone who lookslike Jennifer Kesse in the Tennessee jewelry store where she worked in the months after she went missing. Jennifer Kesse Her black Chevy Malibu was found abandoned one mile away from her home. ", "They are finding and speaking to people the police haven't," Drew Kesse said. UPDATES: Get news alerts and updates in the free FOX 13 News app. Jennifer Kesse was last seen leaving work in Orlando, Florida on January 23, 2006. Gurd said according to the statistics he receives, "Unconcluded" episodes are downloaded on average 450,000 times per month. The grainy video shows a man parking Kesse's car at Huntington and walking away. Jennifer Kesse "I'm not an investigator. Link your TV provider to stream full episodes and live TV. And say there may be some benefit to that. Kesse was reported missing on Jan. 24, 2006, after failing to show up to her job as a financial analyst. Kesse was 24 years old at the time of her disappearance. At approximately 8 a.m. on Thursday, January 26, a resident of the Huntington on the Green condominium complex reported they found Jennifer Kesse's car in a visitor's spot in the parking lot. Jennifer Kesse Margie Dempsey Bogus, who lives in Connecticut, said the collective approach helps spread the message of the Kesse case. Jennifer Kesse was reported missing after she didnt show up to work on the morning of January 24, 2006. Can I move it forward and make people aware of it and encourage someone to come forward that allows law enforcement to solve this case? "It's really about getting the community back involved.". Jennifer Kesse I don't claim to be. Another clue in the case involves a CCTV video of an individual exiting Kesse'scar before it was recovered by authorities. In the files, investigators suspected a struggle on the hood of Kesse's car when they discovered the vehicle. WebJennifer Joyce Kesse (born May 20, 1981) is an American woman from Orlando, Florida, who has been missing since January 23, 2006. He says 18 months have passed, and hes still receiving files. In April, hebought a $100 USB microphone from Amazon.com that connects directly to his laptop, downloaded audio software and started the podcast from the guestroom of his home. There are about 150 different photos of the car overall, where we only saw three or four of the car up until that point, Kesse said. ORLANDO The disappearance of 24-year-old Jennifer Kesse has vexed investigators, friends and family members since she vanished from her Orlando condo more than 11 years ago. More Videos More Videos The hosts of the "Unconcluded" podcast are investigating leads in the case of missing Orlando woman Jennifer Kesse. Gurd hopes and believes that eventually his podcast will reach someone key to the investigation who doesn't know Kesse is missing, didn't think a tip was important enough to report it to police or was previously afraid to come forward. Jennifer Kesse: New clues revealed nearly 15 years after Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, breaking news, sweepstakes, and more! Jennifer Kesse before her disappearance, left, and how she may look today, at right. ORLANDO The disappearance of 24-year-old Jennifer Kesse has vexed investigators, friends and family members since she vanished from her Orlando condo more than 11 years ago. Drew Kesse told News 6 thatGurd and his partner are "doing a great job. Jennifer Kesse Gurd says their approach helps grow their audience and most importantly keep people talking about the long-missing woman. Norfolk Southern train derails in Springfield, Ohio, At least 12 dead after winter storm slams South, Midwest, Trump speaks at CPAC after winning straw poll, Grizzlies star Ja Morant to miss at least 2 games after alleged gun incident, How Paul Murdaugh testified "from the grave" to help convict his father, Man charged for alleged involvement in 2 transformer explosions, Promising drug could provide alternative to statins, new study finds, Iran to allow more inspections at nuclear sites, U.N. says, NTSB to investigate in-flight turbulence that left 1 passenger dead. That's the goal," Gurd said. Kesse was 24 years old at the time of her disappearance. Jennifer Kesse Jennifer Kesse I will take her any way I can get her., Anyone with information related to Kesses disappearance is urged to contact the Orlando Police Department at 321-235-5300 or the Central Florida Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS. I learn something new every day," Gurd said. Since that day in 2006, he has been contactedby scores of people and private investigators offering to help solve the case, only to be led down wrong paths or given misleading tips. (Orlando Sentinel/Orlando Sentinel). Jennifer Kesse It looked as though two people were fighting over the steering wheel.". Jennifer Kesse was reported missing after she didnt show up to work on the morning of January 24, 2006. Kesses family says they are now convinced the image of the black Chevrolet sedan could hold the key to solving her disappearance. 2. Kesse was reported missing Jan. 24, 2006 when she didn't show up for work at Westgate Resorts in Ocoee. But he wants closure in the case, in any form that may take. "I listen to all of them as soon as they come out. Oxygen Insider is your all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more. Jennifer Kesse was last seen leaving work in Orlando, Florida on January 23, 2006. "48 Hours" correspondent Peter Van Sant reports. With fingertips and all, Drew Kesse said. Gurd also runs a Facebook group discussion page where people from all over the world discuss and debate the Kesse case all day, every day. Jennifer Kesse's family was back in court Thursday after suing the Orlando Police Department in an attempt to obtain records of their missing daughter's case. At approximately 8 a.m. on Thursday, January 26, a resident of the Huntington on the Green condominium complex reported they found Jennifer Kesse's car in a visitor's spot in the parking lot. Tuesday marked 17 years since Jennifer Kesse disappeared in Orlando. I will take her anyway I can get her.. It was an instant cultural phenomenon, becoming the fastest podcast to reach 5 million downloads in iTunes history. Kesse was last seen at her Orlando condo near Mall at Millenia. After the Tennessee jewelry store worker episode, police officials instructed dispatchers to route any callers wishing to speak to a detective on the Jennifer Kesse, or any other missing persons, casedirectly to the investigator in charge, she said. Erik von Ancken anchors and reports for WKMG-TV News 6 (CBS) in Orlando and is a two-time Emmy award-winning journalist in the prestigious and coveted "On-Camera Talent" categories for both anchoring and reporting. Where is Jennifer Kesse Drew Kesse said he trusts that the woman believes she saw his daughter, but doubts she's correct. When questioned about the vehicle, several residents confirmed it had been parked there for several days. Jennifer Kesse "It costs way more than anybody would think to do the investigations and travel," Gurd said. Gurd said if the woman is telling the truth, it would mean Kesse, not just her car, was at Huntington on the Green. (Courtesy Orlando Police Department). Create your free profile and get access to exclusive content. CBS News previously reported that no signs of a struggle were evident. Detectives are listening to the podcast, Guido said. Unconcluded has reawakened the case and garnered more attention than Drew Kesse ever imagined, without having to reinsert himself into the emotionally draining world of the investigation, he said. Disappearance of Jennifer Kesse ORLANDO, Fla. - When FOX 13 last spoke with Jennifer Kesses father Drew in March 2019, he and his wife Joyce had just settled with the Orlando Police Department to receive their missing daughters case file, which was jam-packed with 16,000 pages of notes, videos and photos. Were trying to stir up interest in something that was trying to die off," he said. We dont plan on stopping anytime soon, Gurd said. Get an all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! Shortly after she vanished, Kesse's car was discovered parked around a mile from her home. ORLANDO The disappearance of 24-year-old Jennifer Kesse has vexed investigators, friends and family members since she vanished from her Orlando condo more than 11 years ago. Drew Kesse says a part of the settlement required the police department to hand over all of the files over a four-month period. For example, in a recent episode, Gurd interviewed a Tennessee woman who swears she saw Kesse inside a jewelry shop in the year after her disappearance with a man who she thinks was trafficking her. We hope that by showing the public these photos, someone will come forward with information theyve been holding onto for all these years.". Jennifer Kesse case podcast going viral, sparking new interest "As Shaun and Scott offer their information, we, as listeners, get to come here and all interact and offer suggestions," she said. "They are definitely raising awareness again in a big way and the thoughts and people who have been sidelined seem to be finally coming out to speak. No, other than her statements.". Jennifer Kesse: New clues revealed nearly 15 years after Biggest Jennifer Kesse Theories: What Really Happened Her black Chevy Malibu was found abandoned one mile away from her home. A young woman vanishes from her Florida condo security footage captures a phantom figure calmly parking her car. The "engaging, smart and inquisitive" University of Central Florida graduate had just purchased her Mosaic at Millenia condo and was already making a higher salary than her father just two and a half years out of college, her father, Drew Kesse said. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. Herfamilys pursuit to discover what happened to her has led them to thebottom of lakes and from Mexico to Russia, according to Fox News. Tuesday marked 17 years since Jennifer Kesse disappeared in Orlando. "There is a huge true crime community out there," Jamison said. disappeared almost 15 years ago, but her father now says that new images of her abandoned Chevrolet Malibu indicate that she may have been attacked before going missing. I just got chills saying that., Jennifer Kesse disappeared on Jan. 24, 2006. An OPD spokesperson said Sprague looks into every lead she receives from Gurd and has weekly conversations with Kesse's parents, Drew and Joyce. Unconcluded is the latest in a series of true-crime podcasts that have exploded onto the podcast scene, drawing millions of listeners and spawningparallel investigations into often decades-old criminal cases. "I see this girl coming to me, 'Hi ya' doing' [she says], she was with a guy, and the guy brushed her off," said the woman in the podcast. More Videos Jennifer Kesse was last seen leaving work in Orlando, Florida on January 23, 2006. "I don't expect to be the guy from 'NCIS' who digs up some clue and points the finger at somebody," Jamison said. Gurd said he receives no money from the podcasts. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Two days later, her black Chevy Malibu was found at an apartment complex in a high-crime area of Orlando, about a mile from her condo. Jennifer Kesse has been missing for 17 years: Her family hasn't stopped the search Her family has renewed hope after investigators with the FDLE joined the search. Jennifer Kesse Her black Chevy Malibu was found abandoned one mile away from her home. When detectives reviewed surveillance video from the complex where Jennifer' Kesse's car was discovered, they saw a person parking her car. Tuesday marked 17 years since Jennifer Kesse disappeared in Orlando. She said "Unconcluded" stands out among other podcasts because Gurd and Jamison engage with their fans in a Facebook group and listeners help shape the investigation. Sign up forOxygen Insiderfor all the best true crime content. Its unclear if the purported marks in the hood of Kesses car wereoverlooked by investigators following the initial police report. But that lead has never led to any arrests, USA Today, In 2018, the family sued the Orlando Police Department in order to obtain the records pertaining to the case, the Orlando Sentinel. found Gurd and Jamison have produced six episodes and five bonus commentary featurettes so far in the podcast. I mean, anyone in our shoes I cant imagine a family not trying to seek answers for their child.. Those with information about Kesse's case can call the Orlando Police Department at 321-235-5300. cdoornbos@orlandosentinel.com, 407-650-6931 or @CaitlinDoornbos. found Drew Kesse believes, the markings on the hood, show signs of a violent struggle. Speaking into a basic USB microphone attached to his laptop, Gurd discusses with his partner ideas, suggestions, and potential leads in the disappearance of Jennifer Kesse. Overall, he's spent about $1,000 of his own money on the podcast, which does not generate revenue, and usually records the broadcasts at night, after his 11-month-old daughter has been put to bed. Jennifer Kesse Two days after Jennifer Kesse went missing, her black Chevy Malibu was found in another condo complex parking lot approximately 1 mile away from where she lived. Biggest Jennifer Kesse Theories: What Really Happened Gurd, who teaches 5th grade math and science, had only listened to three podcasts all of them of the true-crime variety before deciding to start Unconcluded. When questioned about the vehicle, several residents confirmed it had been parked there for several days. In 2018, the family sued the Orlando Police Department in order to obtain the records pertaining to the case, the Orlando Sentinelreported. "What this podcast is doing is allowing people to be engaged. Gurd and Jamison forward the information they discover to law enforcement, and don't have plans to stop anytime soon. Seventeen heart-shaped balloons were left at the Mosaic at Millenia complex where Kesse was last seen on January 24, 2006. January 25, 2018OPD Announces Enhanced Focus in Jennifer Kesse Disappearance CaseCity of OrlandoGovernment Website. How is that?". Jennifer Kesse "This is just not a show that we listen to.". He said they're not his podcasts, they're everyone's. The podcasts often revolve around older cases and stimulate public involvement in solving crimes in ways not seen before, said Stephen Holmes, associate professor of criminal justice at the University of Central Florida, who has studied the Kesse case. The case centers on Jennifer Kesse, who disappeared on January 24, 2006, when she didnt show up for work. Though the story has listeners across the county transfixed, Drew Kesse said he hopes people remember his daughter as a person. They try to make sure all of the information and sources discussed in their podcast are credible. January 25, 2018OPD Announces Enhanced Focus in Jennifer Kesse Disappearance CaseCity of OrlandoGovernment Website. People who didnt know about Jennifer Kesse two months ago do now. "The 'citizen detectives,' they want to be involved and try to help.". His Facebook page at one point had more than 10,000 followers, but he shut it down when his family began receiving death threats, extortion claims and other sordid proposals, he said. Jennifer Kesse's parents plead for information on the 10th anniversary of her disappearance. "I love our group because there are so many different perspectives looking at the facts," Shreve Jett said. One of the first and most popular, Serial, began in 2014 with a look into the 1999 murder of an 18-year-old Baltimore high school student. "We're still figuring it out.". Copyright 2017 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved. Drew Kesse said he doesnt expect to see his daughter alive again. When questioned about the vehicle, several residents confirmed it had been parked there for several days. "I'm not going to solve this case. With no prior knowledge of audio production or investigations, he and a friend Scott Jamison, 34, of Gainesville started a podcast, called "Unconcluded," exploring the possibilities of what happened to the then 24-year-old who vanished from her Orlando condo in 2006. "This person holds the key to solving the case, Torretta said.