Orlando Police detectives have not been able to find a suspect, but they do think Kesse was abducted. Her familys pursuit to discover what happened to her has led them to the bottom of lakes and from Mexico to ", 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.". "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. And no oneknows where she is.". "I sit at my kitchen table and record after my kids go to bed and I put my dogs away.". 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. "It's grown way beyond what we expected,"Gurd said. He started the podcast solely to bring Jennifer home. When questioned about the vehicle, several residents confirmed it had been parked there for several days. "She vanished. Her familys pursuit to discover what happened to her has led them to the bottom of lakes and from Mexico to The 24-year-old simply vanished and no one has ever been arrested. Drew Kesse told News 6 thatGurd and his partner are "doing a great job. 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. When his classes begin again in the fall, hell limit that work to nights and weekends. Shortly after she vanished, Kesse's car was discovered parked around a mile from her home. They'll also flesh out potential tips over the phone. Its going to take time. Jennifer Kesse was reported missing after she didnt show up to work on the morning of January 24, 2006. Kesse was last seen at her Orlando condo near Mall at Millenia. The woman said she reported the sighting to the Central Florida Crimeline number but never heard back from detectives until she appeared on Unconcluded. 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. When detectives reviewed surveillance video from the complex where Jennifer' Kesse's car was discovered, they saw a person parking her car. Drew Kesse, Kesses father, said he didnt expectmuch when he heard Gurd was launching a podcast about his daughters disappearance. Jennifer Kesse was first reported missing on January 24, 2006. Another clue in the case involves a CCTV video of an individual exiting Kesse'scar before it was recovered by authorities. 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 before her disappearance, left, and how she may look today, at right. I learn something new every day," Gurd 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. The comments keep going on," he said. previously reported that no signs of a struggle were evident. Shortly after she vanished, Kesse's car was discovered parked around a mile from her home. We're talking with people, we're not talking at people. Drew Kesse says a part of the settlement required the police department to hand over all of the files over a four-month period. Get an all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! 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. "48 Hours" correspondent Peter Van Sant reports. In the files, investigators suspected a struggle on the hood of Kesse's car when they discovered the vehicle. The detective in charge of Jennifer Kesse's case was at a conference and unavailable to comment for this article. Whether or not it's true, though, is not the point. 3. "The woman we talked to believes she saw Jennifer on Jan. 24, which was the day before she ended up being in the news," Gurd said. 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. 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. WebJennifer Joyce Kesse (born May 20, 1981) is an American woman from Orlando, Florida, who has been missing since January 23, 2006. Gurd said his wife briefly worked with Kesse's mother. 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. But he plans to continue broadcasting clues and theories in the Jennifer Kesse case for as long as it takes, he said. 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. 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. 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. CBS News previously reported that no signs of a struggle were evident. It allows us to have some emotions behind it," Gurd said. Drew Kesse said he trusts that the woman believes she saw his daughter, but doubts she's correct. 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. 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? Jennifer Kesse, 24, disappeared from Orlando, Fla., on Jan. 24, 2006. "48 Hours" correspondent Peter Van Sant reports. 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. Her black Chevy Malibu was found abandoned one mile away from her home. January 25, 2018OPD Announces Enhanced Focus in Jennifer Kesse Disappearance CaseCity of OrlandoGovernment Website. Orlando Police spokeswoman Michelle Guido said detectives on the case have vetted more than 150 tips on the Jennifer Kesse case that have come in through the Crimeline number and have been in nearly weekly contact with the family. 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. "I'm not going to solve this case. Her black Chevy Malibu was found abandoned one mile away from her home. 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. 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. Shortly after she vanished, Kesse's car was discovered parked around a mile from her home. UPDATES: Get news alerts and updates in the free FOX 13 News app. Kesse was last seen at her Orlando condo near Mall at Millenia. 81 2017, 5:20 PM. They spent the last 18 months pouring over every detail with a fine-tooth comb with their private investigator. More Videos And anyone with a decent microphone and Internet access could start one. and from Mexico to Russia, according to Fox News. 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. When detectives reviewed surveillance video from the complex where Jennifer' Kesse's car was discovered, they saw a person parking her car. The woman said Kesse was walking with a man. I just got chills saying that., Jennifer Kesse disappeared on Jan. 24, 2006. Thats been a success in our book.. "48 Hours" correspondent Peter Van Sant reports. Her familys pursuit to discover what happened to her has led them to the bottom of lakes and from Mexico to Tuesday marked 17 years since Jennifer Kesse disappeared in Orlando. She had a successful career, boyfriend and plush condo. He estimates that the podcasts are reaching some 50,000 people per month. "How have we not progressed in 11 years to at least a direction?" How is that?". Investigators found evidence suggesting she showered and got ready for work that morning, and police believe she left her condo about 8 a.m., they said. They say they don't make a profit from the operation, though they do have a page on a website where listeners can donate to their cause. Her black Chevy Malibu was found abandoned one mile away from her home. (Drew Kesse). 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. Kesse was 24 years old at the time of her disappearance. Her 2004 Chevy Malibu was found two days later about a mile away from her condo. Were trying to stir up interest in something that was trying to die off," he said. I don't claim to be. Seventeen heart-shaped balloons were left at the Mosaic at Millenia complex where Kesse was last seen on January 24, 2006. 2. Her 2004 Chevy Malibu was found two days later about a mile away from her condo. 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. 81 2017, 5:20 PM. He says 18 months have passed, and hes still receiving files. So far, Gurd and Jamison haveproduced six episodes and several other smaller broadcasts. Gurd says their approach helps grow their audience and most importantly keep people talking about the long-missing woman. Drew Kesse believes, the markings on the hood, show signs of a violent struggle. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. 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. (Courtesy Orlando Police Department). ", "I think it's going to possibly go viral if he [Gurd] can hit home in one more episode or side bar," Drew Kesse said. Drew Kesse said the discussions can only help the seemingly stagnant case that's caused his family agony for 11 years. in a cold case involving a 24-year-old Florida business executive, who vanished in 2006, may indicate that a violent struggle unfolded before her disappearance, according to the womans family. The hosts of the "Unconcluded" podcast are investigating leads in the case of missing Orlando woman Jennifer Kesse. Jervis is a national correspondent for USA TODAY. 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. "I think the biggest revelation that we've come across is, and this is something I was completely not expecting when we started this, is how much information that's out there about her case is just completely wrong.". 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. Kesse was reported missing Jan. 24, 2006 when she didn't show up for work at Westgate Resorts in Ocoee. At the time she vanished, she was living in Orlando. 3. Jennifer Kesse, 24, disappeared from Orlando, Fla., on Jan. 24, 2006. The episodes explore the case, interviewing family and witnesses and correcting misinformation along the way. 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. It was an instant cultural phenomenon, becoming the fastest podcast to reach 5 million downloads in iTunes history. "It's really about the awareness, is really the point of the podcast, is the awareness. Jennifer Kesse's parents plead for information on the 10th anniversary of her disappearance. Sign up forOxygen Insiderfor all the best true crime content. Is it the kidnapper? 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. He has never been identified. 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. 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. Jennifer Kesse was first reported missing on January 24, 2006. Seventeen heart-shaped balloons were left at the Mosaic at Millenia complex where Kesse was last seen on January 24, 2006. More Videos "When you put your heads together, ideas come up. 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. "You can kind of form a community around it," he said. Father Of Missing Florida Woman Discusses Tip In Case. Kesse was a graduate of Gaither High School in Tampa. January 25, 2018OPD Announces Enhanced Focus in Jennifer Kesse Disappearance CaseCity of OrlandoGovernment Website. When it launched earlier this year, the podcast, Unconcluded, drew around 15,000 downloads. Kesse was 24 years old at the time of her disappearance. If you need help with the Public File, call 407-291-6000. Now do we have any way of proving she saw Jennifer Kesse at this point? 81 2017, 5:20 PM. 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. WebA young woman vanishes from her Florida condo security footage captures a phantom figure calmly parking her car. Her 2004 Chevy Malibu was found two days later about a mile away from her condo. Anyone with information on this case can call the Orlando Police Department at 321-235-5300 if they wish to speak to a detective, or the Central Florida Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS, if they wish to remain anonymous. 2. WebA young woman vanishes from her Florida condo security footage captures a phantom figure calmly parking her car. 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. "48 Hours" correspondent Peter Van Sant reports. Jennifer Kesse was reported missing after she didnt show up to work on the morning of Jan. 24, 2006, according toWKMG. He had never heard of the Kesse case until his wife told him about it. At the time she vanished, she was living in Orlando. Jennifer Kesse was last seen leaving work in Orlando, Florida on January 23, 2006. The hosts of the "Unconcluded" podcast are investigating leads in the case of missing Orlando woman Jennifer Kesse. 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. At the time she vanished, she was living in Orlando. I will take her anyway I can get her.. Unless someone just steps up and says, enough is enough. Create your free profile and get access to exclusive content. 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. An OPD spokesperson said Sprague looks into every lead she receives from Gurd and has weekly conversations with Kesse's parents, Drew and Joyce. "As Shaun and Scott offer their information, we, as listeners, get to come here and all interact and offer suggestions," she said. Jennifer Kesse, 24, disappeared from Orlando, Fla., on Jan. 24, 2006. If you look really close, it almost looks like someone was slammed down over the front hood, drivers side like onto the hood, and then almost pulled off of it. "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. Check out never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! Jennifer Kesse was reported missing after she didnt show up to work on the morning of Jan. 24, 2006, according to WKMG. 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. "After 11 years, it's very difficult for her not to be an object," he 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. "The car was moving erratically," the witness told Fox News. Kesse was last seen at her Orlando condo near Mall at Millenia. It also gives them freedom to address possible leads not typically presented in traditional media. Gurd and Jamison have produced six episodes and five bonus commentary featurettes so far in the podcast. They tell their listeners they're "not police, reporters or investigators." Investigators also uncovered a previously unseen fingerprint belonging to the victim, as well as a large boot print near the gas pedal. 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. "It's really about getting the community back involved.". "What this podcast is doing is allowing people to be engaged. More than a decade later, Drew Kesse said investigators know little else. "The term 'homemade podcast' doesn't offend me," Jamison said. They try to make sure all of the information and sources discussed in their podcast are credible. Follow him on Twitter at: @MrRJervis. 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. The two are up-front about their qualifications or lack thereof. "Absolutely, awareness is truly the most important thing in a missing persons case.". The family is hoping that by sharing these photos with the public, someone will come forward with information. WebJennifer Joyce Kesse (born May 20, 1981) is an American woman from Orlando, Florida, who has been missing since January 23, 2006. Drew Kesse believes, the markings on the hood, show signs of Jennifer Kesse was last seen leaving work in Orlando, Florida on January 23, 2006. Gurd, a fifth-grade teacher in Tampa, and his partner Scott Jamison, a college athletics teacher in Gainesville, regularly meet in Orlando to investigate potential leads, Gurd said. Drew Kesse said he doesnt expect to see his daughter alive again. Seventeen years ago, Jennifer Kesse disappeared in Orlando in a high-profile case that made national news. A young woman vanishes from her Florida condo security footage captures a phantom figure calmly parking her car. 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. And say there may be some benefit to that. The case centers on Jennifer Kesse, who disappeared on January 24, 2006, when she didnt show up for work. Its unclear if the purported marks in the hood of Kesses car wereoverlooked by investigators following the initial police report. 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. But that lead has never led to any arrests, USA Todayreportedin 2017. "This person holds the key to solving the case, Torretta said. Jennifer Kesse before her disappearance, left, and how she may look today, at right. And that would be a really good thing.. 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. When you see your podcast passing Katie Courics, its pretty interesting, Gurd, 35, said. "I don't expect to be the guy from 'NCIS' who digs up some clue and points the finger at somebody," Jamison said. Jennifer Kesse was reported missing after she didnt show up to work on the morning of Jan. 24, 2006, according to WKMG. The case centers on Jennifer Kesse, who disappeared on January 24, 2006, when she didnt show up for work. Herfamilys pursuit to discover what happened to her has led them to thebottom of lakes and from Mexico to Russia, according to Fox News. "Shes still someones daughter and someone's sister. When questioned about the vehicle, several residents confirmed it had been parked there for several days. An anonymous witness told Fox News she saw Kesses sedan swerving in traffic near an exit by the condo where she lived on the morning she was reported missing. January 25, 2018OPD Announces Enhanced Focus in Jennifer Kesse Disappearance CaseCity of OrlandoGovernment Website. The podcast has also pointed out deficiencies in the investigation headed by Orlando Police. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. No, other than her statements.". Gurd said he receives no money from the podcasts. 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. Its a new phenomenon.. Newly releasedimages in a cold case involving a 24-year-old Florida business executive, who vanished in 2006, may indicate that a violent struggle unfolded before her disappearance, according to the womans family. I mean, anyone in our shoes I cant imagine a family not trying to seek answers for their child.. It looked as though two people were fighting over the steering wheel.". We hope that by showing the public these photos, someone will come forward with information theyve been holding onto for all these years.". Kesse was reported missing on Jan. 24, 2006, after failing to show up to her job as a financial analyst. Though the story has listeners across the county transfixed, Drew Kesse said he hopes people remember his daughter as a person. Hes garnering a bigger and bigger audience every single week, and thats what she needs.. 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. he said. In 2018, the family sued the Orlando Police Department in order to obtain the records pertaining to the case, the Orlando Sentinelreported. Tuesday marked 17 years since Jennifer Kesse disappeared in Orlando. The grainy video shows a man parking Kesse's car at Huntington and walking away. With fingertips and all, Drew Kesse said. Soon after, Orlando police released a surveillance video clip recorded from Huntington on the Green, an apartment complex 1.2 miles from where Kesse lived at the Mosiac at Millenia condos. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Jennifer Kesse was reported missing after she didnt show up to work on the morning of January 24, 2006. Link your TV provider to stream full episodes and live TV. Jennifer needs to come home, Drew Kesse told USA Today. Jennifer Kesse was last seen leaving work in Orlando, Florida on January 23, 2006. 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. When questioned about the vehicle, several residents confirmed it had been parked there for several days. Its unclear if the purported marks in the hood of Kesses car wereoverlooked by investigators following the initial police report. Erik joined the News 6 News Team in 2003 days after the tragic loss of space shuttle Columbia. Margie Dempsey Bogus, who lives in Connecticut, said the collective approach helps spread the message of the Kesse case. 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. 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. "I listen to all of them as soon as they come out. 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. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Jennifer Kesse's parents plead for information on the 10th anniversary of her disappearance. 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. 3. 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. People who didnt know about Jennifer Kesse two months ago do now. Kesse was 24 years old at the time of her disappearance. The case so intrigued Shaun Gurd, a Tampa-area elementary teacher who heard about it from his wife, that he recently decided to start a podcast, along with friend Scott Jamison, looking into the details of the disappearance. Kesses family says they are now convinced the image of the black Chevrolet sedan could hold the key to solving her disappearance. Detectives are listening to the podcast, Guido said. "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," Drew Kessetold Fox News. "A real-time investigation into the disappearance of Jennifer Kesse," is how Gurd describes it in his bi-monthly podcast. The 24-year-old simply vanished and no one has ever been arrested. Another clue in the case involves a CCTV video of an individual exiting Kesse'scar before it was recovered by authorities. What Happened Before Jennifer Kesse Vanished? Today, its garnering more than 300,000 a month and growing and has led to a half-dozen credible leads. "We want everyone in the world to help.". We really havent seen the general public involved in this type of cold case exploration before these podcasts, he said. The Unconcluded podcast can be found on iTunes, or at unconcluded.com.
