48 Hours: Postmortem Special – "Growing Up with the Happy Face Killer"

Release Date: March 15, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of CBS News' "48 Hours," host Ann Marie Green engages in a profound conversation with Melissa G. Moore, the daughter of notorious serial killer Keith Hunter Jesperson, and Jennifer Casicio, the executive producer of the new series Happy Face. This episode delves deep into the emotional and psychological complexities of growing up with a serial killer father, the challenges of redefining one's identity, and the intricate process of bringing such a harrowing true story to television.

Melissa G. Moore’s Journey

Melissa G. Moore opens up about the harrowing moment at age 15 when she discovered her father’s true identity. Her father, Keith Jesperson, was arrested in 1995 for the murder of his girlfriend, Julie Winningham, and subsequently confessed to multiple other murders, earning the moniker "Happy Face Killer" due to his signature smiley face in letters to the media.

Melissa G. Moore [02:55]: “At that time, he wasn't known as a Happy Face serial killer. He was dad... I just started sobbing and crying because at that point, my dad was my savior.”

Melissa recounts her first visit to the prison, where seeing her father shackled and shaved was a shocking transformation from the image of the loving father she knew.

Jennifer Casicio’s Role and the Creation of Happy Face

Jennifer Casicio explains her initial connection to Melissa’s story, which began as a dedicated listener of the original podcast. Her passion led her to adapt Melissa's experiences into a television series, ensuring the narrative remained authentic while fictionalizing certain elements for dramatic effect.

Jennifer Casicio [05:40]: “I just listened to the first episode and called my agent immediately... I wanted to write it. It would be such a good show.”

She emphasizes the importance of maintaining the integrity of the characters and the real-life implications for both the family and the victims.

Jennifer Casicio [07:44]: “It's a way of linking those things in a visual way and in a concrete way for the audience.”

Psychological Impact and Emotional Entanglement

The conversation delves into Melissa’s ongoing struggle with her father’s legacy and her attempt to reconcile the loving memories of her father with his monstrous actions. Melissa reveals her vulnerability and the emotional toxicity that binds her to her father.

Melissa G. Moore [08:45]: “That's my vulnerability though. So my vulnerability is wanting to hold on to the good and the idea of this wonderful dad.”

Melissa shares her experiences of receiving letters and calls from her father, highlighting the manipulative dynamics at play.

Melissa G. Moore [09:35]: “I couldn't bear to open them because I know he's going to go after my heart.”

Portrayal in the TV Series

Ann Marie Green and Jennifer Casicio discuss the portrayal of Melissa and her father in Happy Face. The casting of Annaleigh Ashford as Melissa and Dennis Quaid as Keith Jesperson is highlighted for their ability to embody the real-life individuals authentically.

Jennifer Casicio [16:05]: “It's about Melissa's relationship with your daughter. And we're not glorifying Keith's character.”

Melissa praises Dennis Quaid’s depiction of her father, noting his ability to capture Keith’s matter-of-fact demeanor.

Melissa G. Moore [16:08]: “Yeah, Dennis Quaid... he really embodied the matter of factness that my father has.”

Impact on Melissa’s Life and Family

Melissa discusses the broader impact of her father’s crimes on her life and her children, including dealing with bullying due to her family ties. Her efforts to redefine her narrative and support others in similar situations are evident.

Melissa G. Moore [26:27]: “I feel honored that I get to be in this role... to give a platform for people to tell their story in their own voice.”

She also touches upon her relationship with her father today, marked by dissociation and a recognition that the man who served her family is a shell of who he once was.

Melissa G. Moore [29:00]: “I feel very much like the father that I know has passed back in '95. Like, he's gone, and this is a shell.”

Exploring Supernatural Elements

The episode explores Melissa’s belief in the supernatural, particularly her experiences with what she perceives as ghostly encounters tied to her father’s victims. These personal anecdotes add a layer of emotional depth to her story.

Melissa G. Moore [24:37]: “I believe that there's an afterlife because of what I've experienced... I felt the energy.”

Melissa’s Advocacy and Future Work

Melissa has expanded her role from being a victim to a producer, working on projects like The Life and Murder of Nicole Brown to shed light on victims' stories and provide a balanced narrative.

Melissa G. Moore [26:27]: “I get to give a platform for people to tell their story in their own voice. And I'm sure that's what Jennifer feels like as well.”

Jennifer Casicio echoes Melissa’s sentiments, emphasizing the privilege of telling these true stories responsibly.

Jennifer Casicio [27:29]: “It was an incredible privilege.”

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a reflection on the ethical considerations of telling such sensitive stories. Jennifer highlights the importance of respecting all parties involved, including victims' families, and ensuring the portrayal is both respectful and enlightening.

Jennifer Casicio [23:30]: “Yes, always. I always had Melissa front of mind... I never forget that it's people's real lives.”

Ann Marie Green reiterates the significance of the series in offering a new perspective on true crime narratives, urging listeners to engage thoughtfully with these complex stories.

Ann Marie Green [30:07]: “I think that will definitely happen. So congratulations to both of your stuff, and I look forward to your future work.”

Watch Happy Face

Happy Face premieres with two episodes on Thursday, March 20, exclusively on Paramount. New episodes are available to stream weekly on Thursdays. For those interested in exploring this deeply personal and intricate story, tune in to witness the delicate balance of truth, trauma, and resilience.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Melissa G. Moore [02:55]: “At that time, he wasn't known as a Happy Face serial killer. He was dad... I just started sobbing and crying because at that point, my dad was my savior.”

• Jennifer Casicio [05:40]: “I just listened to the first episode and called my agent immediately... I wanted to write it. It would be such a good show.”

• Melissa G. Moore [08:45]: “That's my vulnerability though. So my vulnerability is wanting to hold on to the good and the idea of this wonderful dad.”

• Jennifer Casicio [16:05]: “It's about Melissa's relationship with your daughter. And we're not glorifying Keith's character.”

• Melissa G. Moore [29:00]: “I feel very much like the father that I know has passed back in '95. Like, he's gone, and this is a shell.”

This "48 Hours" episode offers an intimate look into the life of Melissa G. Moore, highlighting her resilience and the intricate dynamics of living with a notorious criminal parent. Through thoughtful interviews and personal anecdotes, the episode provides a nuanced perspective on true crime, identity, and healing.