36. The Happy Face Killer: Keith Jesperson

Heads up! There's about a one minute weird audio situation, and then it clears up. Case starts at 3:10. 

In January 1990, 23-year-old Taunja Bennett disappeared from Portland, Oregon. Days later, her body was found in the Columbia River Gorge, brutally beaten and strangled. The investigation quickly gained national attention—but not for the reasons you might expect. Instead of identifying the real killer, police arrested and convicted two innocent people: Laverne Pavlinac and John Sosnovske. But behind the scenes, a far more sinister force was at play. Join us as we cover the case of the “Happy Face Killer”.

Resources for those needing help: 

If in the US, call or text 988 to address immediate mental health needs. 

If you are in the US and experiencing domestic violence and want help, call 1-800-799-7233 or text “start” to 88788.

Sources: 

Evil Lives Here – Episode: “Put on a Happy Face” (Season 3, Episode 11)

ABC’s 20/20 – Episode: “Sincerely, the Happy Face Killer” (Season 44, Episode 5)