Death in the Dorms Season 2: Episode 1 – Jenna Burleigh

Introduction

In the gripping premiere of Season 2 of Death in the Dorms, ABC News' 20/20 delves into the tragic and mysterious disappearance of Jenna Burleigh, a vibrant social justice advocate at Temple University. Released on December 24, 2024, this episode meticulously unpacks the events leading up to Jenna's untimely death, the ensuing investigation, and the eventual pursuit of justice.

Background: Jenna Burleigh's Early Life

Jenna Burleigh was a passionate and creative individual from an early age. Raised in a supportive family, Jenna's aspirations were clear. “Jenna was in Red Alert, which was their production studio at high school, and she just totally embraced it” ([02:47] Jenna Burleigh's Mother). Her innate talent for film and storytelling was evident as she expressed her desire to give people a voice through her work.

College Life and Activities

Jenna's commitment to social justice and the arts flourished during her time at Montgomery County Community College, where she actively engaged in community service by creating “blessing bags” for the homeless—backpacks filled with clothes, toiletries, and food ([10:07] Jenna Burleigh's Father). Her dedication led her to transfer to Temple University, where she continued to excel academically and socially. “She was really excited to start. I remember post her posting that she was so excited to start her first semester at Temple” ([12:25] Friend 1).

The Night of Disappearance

On the evening of August 30, 2017, Jenna attended a 21st birthday party at PubWeb, a local bar frequented by Temple students. She was seen with several friends, but as the night progressed, her companions gradually left, leaving her alone with a young man named Joshua Huppertz ([21:01] Friend 1). Jenna attempted to reach out to her family, but her friends couldn’t locate her when she didn’t return home.

The Investigation Unfolds

Jenna's disappearance triggered a frantic search by both her family and Temple University police. “We knew that wasn't Jenna. She always responded. She always answered our phone” ([07:16] Jenna Burleigh's Father). Investigators reviewed surveillance footage from PubWeb, identifying Jenna with Joshua around 2 AM ([24:27] Deborah Roberts). Joshua's erratic behavior and subsequent disappearance added layers of complexity to the case.

Discovery and Arrest

A breakthrough occurred when Joshua's grandfather discovered Jenna's body in a blue plastic container in his storage shed ([38:22] Deborah Roberts). Further investigation revealed Joshua's involvement, including surveillance footage of him manipulating the scene and attempting to dispose of the evidence using a Lyft ride ([44:21] Friend 2). DNA evidence tied Joshua directly to Jenna's assault ([49:26] Friend 2).

The Trial

The trial was emotionally charged, with Jenna's family seeking justice. Joshua Huppertz pled guilty to abuse of a corpse and tampering with evidence but denied murdering Jenna ([52:15] Friend 2). The prosecution presented compelling circumstantial evidence, including DNA found under Jenna's fingernails, which exonerated Joshua's roommate, contrary to the defense's claims ([54:38] Friend 2).

Verdict and Sentencing

On January 17, 2019, the jury found Joshua Huppertz guilty on all counts. Judge Glenn Bronson sentenced him to life in prison without parole, emphasizing the heinous nature of the crime: “You deserve every single day. This was just an outrageous, depraved crime” ([56:28] Friend 2). The Burleigh family felt a sense of closure, knowing that justice had been served: “When you hear the guilty verdict, your whole body just relaxes” ([56:46] Jenna Burleigh's Father).

Aftermath and Foundation

In the wake of Jenna's death, her family established the Jenna Burleigh Foundation to honor her legacy. The foundation continues Jenna’s mission of aiding the homeless through the distribution of blessing bags, ensuring her spirit of kindness and generosity lives on. “Within a day or two, he was able to get Jenna's blessing bags up and running” ([59:22] Jenna Burleigh's Mother).

Conclusion

Death in the Dorms Season 2: Episode 1 offers a poignant exploration of Jenna Burleigh's life, her tragic disappearance, and the relentless pursuit of justice by her family and the authorities. Through detailed storytelling and impactful interviews, the episode not only recounts a harrowing true crime case but also underscores the enduring impact of Jenna's legacy.

Notable Quotes

• “Jenna was really excited to start. I remember post her posting that she was so excited to start her first semester at Temple.” – Friend 1 ([12:25])

• “We knew that wasn't Jenna. She always responded. She always answered our phone.” – Jenna Burleigh's Father ([07:16])

• “You deserve every single day. This was just an outrageous, depraved crime.” – Judge Glenn Bronson ([56:28])

• “Within a day or two, he was able to get Jenna's blessing bags up and running.” – Jenna Burleigh's Mother ([59:22])

Key Takeaways

• Jenna Burleigh was a dedicated and creative individual committed to social justice and community service.
• Her disappearance led to a thorough investigation, highlighting challenges in missing person cases within a university setting.
• The case against Joshua Huppertz was built on substantial circumstantial evidence, including DNA analysis.
• The trial resulted in a guilty verdict, providing closure for Jenna's family and friends.
• The establishment of the Jenna Burleigh Foundation ensures that her legacy of kindness and support for the homeless continues.

Impact and Reflection

This episode serves as a sobering reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by young adults in college environments. It emphasizes the importance of community vigilance and the enduring strength of families seeking justice. Jenna's story resonates deeply, inspiring ongoing efforts to support those in need and to honor her memory through purposeful action.