happy face killer
Picture Credit score: FPG/Hulton Archive/Getty Photographs

The “Blissful Face Killer” was some of the disturbing serial killers of the 90s. Whereas he was arrested in 1995 and is serving a life sentence, the story of the killer has captivated true crime followers for years. After his 1995 arrest, he claimed to be accountable for 160 murders, however solely eight have formally been linked to the Blissful Face Killer.

A variety of podcasts have lined the story of the Blissful Face Killer. There have additionally been motion pictures loosely based mostly on him and the murders. His daughter Melissa Moore additionally wrote the e-book Shattered Silence about her expertise rising up with a serial killer for a dad. Melissa’s story performs an element within the upcoming Paramount+ collection Blissful Face. Earlier than the present hits the streamer, discover out the true story behind the Blissful Face Killer.

What Did the Blissful Face Killer Do?

The Blissful Face Killer has been linked to eight murders that occurred between 1990 and 1995. He strangled most of his victims, a few of whom had been intercourse employees. It took years to establish among the victims, with the final one being recognized in October 2023, as Suzanne Kjellenberg, in line with CNNThe assassin was arrested in 1995 following the homicide of Julie Winningham. He was given three life sentences, and in January 2010, he obtained a fourth.

Why Was He Referred to as the “Blissful Face” Killer?

The killer was given his notorious nickname shortly after his first homicide of Taunja Bennet in 1990. After the information of Bennet’s dying, Laverne Pavlinac had falsely confessed to the homicide, claiming that her then-boyfriend John Sosnovske was accountable, per Individuals. She had claimed that her relationship was abusive and noticed the confession as an opportunity to finish the connection. Following her confession, each she and her boyfriend had been convicted and spent 4 years in jail for the homicide.

In 1994, the killer wrote the letter, which earned him the nickname. It was a confession letter to The Oregonian newspaper, the place he detailed 5 murders, together with Bennet’s. He signed the letter with a drawing of a Blissful Face, thus incomes the nickname, per The New York Occasions. 

Who Is the Blissful Face Killer?

After his arrest, the Blissful Face Killer’s id was revealed to be Keith Hunter Jesperson. He had been married to Rose Hucke from 1975 to 1990, after they divorced. That they had 4 youngsters collectively, together with their eldest daughter Melissa, who was 10 after they break up. Jesperson had labored as a trucker, and through one among his journeys Rose left with the children, suspecting that he was having an affair.

Who Is Enjoying the Blissful Face Killer within the New Present?

Dennis will play Keith within the new docuseries. (Paul Archuleta/Getty Photographs))

The upcoming collection from Paramount+ will probably be based mostly on an iHeartMedia podcast Blissful Face, in addition to Moore’s e-book and her personal experiences. The present will reportedly star Annaleigh Ashford as Melissa, whereas Dennis Quaid will play Keith, in line with SelectionIt’s anticipated to premiere in 2025.

Blissful Face Trailer