In the early 1990s, Keith Hunter Jesperson, infamously known as the “Happy Face Killer,” terrorized the United States by murdering at least eight women across several states. His moniker derived from the smiley faces he included in letters to the media and authorities, in which he confessed to his heinous crimes.
Jesperson’s killing spree spanned from 1990 to 1995, targeting women he often encountered during his work as a long-haul truck driver. His preferred method of murder was strangulation, a technique he had previously used on animals during his youth.
The impact of Jesperson’s crimes extended beyond his victims. His daughter, Melissa G. Moore, discovered her father’s gruesome actions at the age of 16, a revelation that profoundly affected her life and childhood memories. Despite the trauma, Moore transformed her experience into advocacy, supporting families of serial killers. She authored books, produced podcasts, and developed television series detailing her journey, including the upcoming “Happy Face” on Paramount+.
The “Happy Face” series, set to premiere on March 21, delves into the unsettling relationship between Moore and her father, offering viewers a poignant perspective on the familial aftermath of serial crimes.
In recent developments, authorities have identified one of Jesperson’s previously unknown victims. In January 2024, a woman murdered in 1994, long referred to as a “Jane Doe,” was conclusively identified, bringing closure to a decades-long mystery.
Jesperson is currently serving multiple life sentences without the possibility of parole. His case continues to be a subject of study and media portrayal, reflecting on the profound and lasting impact of his crimes on victims’ families and his own.
For a deeper understanding of Melissa Moore’s personal journey, you can watch her recount her story in this interview:
