Post Mortem | The Footprint – Detailed Summary

Episode Release Date: May 20, 2025
Host: Ann Marie Green
Guest: Erin Moriarty, 48 Hours Correspondent

Introduction to the Case

In this compelling episode of "Post Mortem," host Ann Marie Green and correspondent Erin Moriarty delve into the harrowing murder of Jeannie Chiles, a 35-year-old woman brutally stabbed over 60 times in her high-rise apartment in Minnesota in 1993. The case remained unsolved for more than two decades until breakthroughs in investigative genetic genealogy led to the arrest of Jerry Westrom, a local businessman and father.

Ann Marie Green [01:08]:
"We're going to be discussing the murder of 35-year-old Jeannie Chiles... Her case went unsolved for over two decades until advances in investigative genetic genealogy led authorities to arrest a local businessman and father, Jerry Westrom."

Background of the Murder and Initial Investigation

Jeannie Chiles was a sex worker, and her apartment had seen multiple visitors. Investigators collected significant DNA evidence, including bloody footprints in both the bedroom and bathroom. However, in 1993, DNA technology was still in its infancy, and no matches could be made. A person of interest, Arthur Gray, was identified but later cleared due to a solid alibi.

Erin Moriarty [02:44]:
"They collected DNA, and they collected those bloody footprints that are just so important in this case... The DNA didn't match anyone back then, and the case went cold."

Breakthrough with Genetic Genealogy

Fast forward to 2015, advancements in DNA technology and the emergence of genetic genealogy provided new avenues for investigation. Barbara Rae Venter, a genealogist renowned for solving the Golden State Killer case, was brought in to analyze the DNA profile from the crime scene. By uploading the DNA data to genealogy websites, Venter constructed a family tree that pointed to two suspects—brothers—ultimately focusing on Jerry Westrom due to his brown eyes matching the DNA profile and his history of soliciting sex workers.

Erin Moriarty [05:22]:
"Barbara Ray Venter... was able to build out a family tree and came up with two suspects who happened to be brothers. And then she picked Jerry because the DNA profile indicated that it belonged to someone with brown eyes."

Arrest and Interrogation

Capturing Jerry Westrom required meticulous planning. FBI agents followed him to a hockey game in Wisconsin, where they discreetly obtained a saliva sample by observing him wipe his mouth with a napkin. This sample matched the DNA from the crime scene, providing concrete evidence against him.

Erin Moriarty [08:08]:
"They finally followed him to this game... they saw him wipe his mouth with a napkin, and they brought it back to the lab. It matched the unknown DNA sample from the crime scene."

Upon his arrest in February 2019, Westrom was questioned for 11 minutes before invoking his right to an attorney. His demeanor during the interrogation was notably subdued.

Ann Marie Green [12:10]:
"Do you know we have your DNA?... That's what we're wondering if you have any of that kind of knowledge."

Erin Moriarty [12:43]:
"He doesn't seem to be upset... Why isn't he asking why he's there or not saying what we all think he would say."

Trial and Conviction

In August 2022, Jerry Westrom stood trial for the murder of Jeannie Chiles. The prosecution presented DNA evidence linking Westrom to the crime scene, including the bloody footprints that were contested by defense experts. Despite the defense introducing an alternative witness claiming to have seen Jeannie with another man on the day of her murder, the jury found Westrom guilty of first and second-degree murder.

Ann Marie Green [16:11]:
"In August of 2022, Jerry Westrom went on trial for Jeannie Childs' murder... the jury ultimately found Jerry Westrom guilty of murder in the first and second degrees."

Legal Proceedings and Appeals

Westrom was sentenced to life in prison on September 9, 2022. However, in 2024, the Minnesota Supreme Court reversed his second-degree murder conviction while upholding the first-degree conviction due to state-specific legal nuances regarding included offenses.

Erin Moriarty [18:44]:
"According to the ruling... a defendant may be convicted of either the crime charge, which was murder or an included offense, but not both... so they reversed the second-degree murder conviction."

Aftermath and Family Reactions

The resolution of the case brought mixed emotions to Jeannie's family. While they trust the justice system and believe Westrom was the perpetrator, the lack of a clear motive and closure continues to impact their grieving process. Jeannie’s mother expressed that, despite the conviction, the loss remains a profound sorrow.

Erin Moriarty [20:05]:
"They do trust the system. They believe that he did kill Jeannie... they are left with their grief, but at least they no longer have to worry about who killed Jeannie."

Conclusion

The "Post Mortem | The Footprint" episode offers an in-depth exploration of cold case investigations, highlighting the pivotal role of genetic genealogy and forensic evidence in solving decades-old crimes. Despite the conviction, unanswered questions about motives and the true sequence of events continue to linger, underscoring the complexities inherent in criminal justice.

Ann Marie Green [21:01]:
"Erin, another fascinating story. I learned more about DNA and I thought I knew a lot. I learned about footprints and whether or not they make for good evidence."

Notable Quotes:

• Ann Marie Green [05:39]:
  "You can't bring any charges based on what Barbara Ray Venter finds out. They have to get a real DNA sample from that person and see if that matches the unknown DNA in the crime scene."

• Erin Moriarty [13:33]:
  "You do have the DNA, the genetic genealogy DNA that seems to place him in that apartment. And you have the area right below the big toe of the left foot that seems to also place Jerry Westrom in her blood on the day she was murdered."

• Ann Marie Green [19:42]:
  "But the men aren't giving up without a fight."
  (Note: This is likely an advertisement segment and not relevant to the case summary.)

Final Note:
This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the "Post Mortem | The Footprint" episode of "48 Hours." For a comprehensive understanding, listening to the full episode is recommended.