Podcast Summary: "The Footprint" 48 Hours Host/Author: CBS News
Release Date: May 19, 2025

Introduction

In the gripping episode titled "The Footprint," CBS News' award-winning "48 Hours" delves into the harrowing unsolved murder of Jeannie Childs in 1993 and the subsequent pursuit of justice that spanned over three decades. Hosted by Anne-Marie Green, the episode meticulously examines the intricate details of the case, the breakthroughs in forensic science, and the profound impact on those involved.

Case Background: The Murder of Jeannie Childs ([01:15])

On June 13, 1993, Jeannie Childs, a 35-year-old woman, was brutally murdered in her high-rise Minneapolis apartment. Detective recounts the discovery of the crime scene:

Detective ([01:15]): "On 13th of June 1993, I was on call as a team leader for our crime scene team... We got a sergeant requesting our assistance on the 21st floor of this high rise apartment building."

Upon entering, the scene was gruesome:

Detective ([02:15]): "When I proceeded to where the body was on the side of the bed, I could see the imprint in blood that looked like a left foot and a right foot. It's an actual bare foot. I mean, wow."

Jeannie's defensive wounds indicated a violent struggle, with over 65 stab wounds inflicted even post-mortem. Initial DNA evidence collection ultimately led to a dead end, leaving the case unsolved for years.

Initial Investigation and Cold Case ([03:38] - [09:00])

The initial investigation focused on gathering various pieces of evidence, including blood stains, blood spatters, and potential murder weapons. However, without concrete leads, the case went cold. Retired forensic scientist Bart Epstein emphasized the critical role of blood evidence in understanding the sequence of events:

Bart Epstein ([06:56]): "The blood wasn't confined to just the area where she was. The blood was on the walls, the comforter, the floor... It leads one to believe that a struggle happened, that she was fighting to save her own life."

Despite extensive efforts, including analyzing bloody footprints under Jeannie's bedroom window, the identity of the perpetrator remained elusive.

Reopening the Case: Advances in Forensic Science ([12:57] - [19:26])

In 2015, a cold case unit decided to revisit Jeannie's murder, utilizing advancements in DNA technology and genetic genealogy. Forensic scientist Andrea Faya notes the improved precision of modern techniques:

Andrea Faya ([17:03]): "Technology is so much more refined and rigorous than it was in 1993."

By uploading Jeannie's DNA profile to MyHeritage.com, investigators identified potential matches, leading to the discovery of Jerry Westrom as a prime suspect.

Identification of Suspect: Jerry Westrom ([19:26] - [22:14])

Jerry Westrom, a 52-year-old husband, father of three, and respected businessman, emerged as the main suspect through genetic genealogy. Westrom's background portrayed him as a model community member:

Friend of Westrom ([20:39]): "He and I were on a 4H trip when we were 14... He was a good friend... Very low key. Gentlemen easily can make friends with people."

Despite no prior history of violent crimes, the evidence against Westrom included his DNA presence at the crime scene and matching footprints.

Evidence Against Westrom: DNA and Footprints ([22:44] - [35:55])

The prosecution's case hinged on two primary pieces of evidence: DNA remnants and bloody footprints.

DNA Evidence:

• Westrom's DNA was found on the comforter and towel in Jeannie's bathroom, identified as semen by Andrea Faya ([29:05]).

• However, Faya clarified that the type of DNA couldn't definitively place Westrom at the time of the murder:

  Andrea Faya ([29:50]): "But she says her team couldn't determine the type of DNA that she says Westrom left on the red T-shirt, the bathroom sink, and the washcloth. You can't say definitively that his blood or any other kind of DNA was found at the scene."

Bloody Footprints:

• Seven bloody footprints were analyzed, with forensic scientist Mark Ulrich asserting four belonged to Westrom:

  Mark Ulrich ([35:05]): "E1 and E2 were identified to Mr. Jerry Westrom... B was identified to the right foot of Mr. Jerry Westrom."

• Defense expert Alicia McCarthy challenged the identification, agreeing only with the footprint labeled E2 as Westrom's.

Trial and Conviction ([35:58] - [43:52])

In August 2022, Jerry Westrom stood trial for Jeannie's murder. The prosecution presented the DNA and footprint evidence as definitive proof of his guilt. Despite Westrom's steadfast denial and a lack of clear motive, the jury convicted him of both first and second-degree murder after an eight-day trial.

Forensic Scientist ([43:41]): "The jury came back quite quickly and convicted Jerry Westrom of the top count, which was murder in the first degree. They also found him guilty of murder in the second degree."

Defense Arguments and Lingering Doubts ([43:52] - [32:10])

The defense highlighted several inconsistencies and gaps in the prosecution's case:

• Alternative suspects, including Arthur Gray and James Luther Carlton, were initially considered but ultimately ruled out by the judge due to insufficient evidence.
• The eyewitness account of a tall blond man conflicted with Westrom's appearance, leading defense attorneys to suggest potential misidentification.
• Concerns were raised about the DNA evidence, particularly the presence of other DNA profiles at the crime scene that did not match Westrom, suggesting possible involvement of additional individuals.

Wayne Triplett ([22:43]): "Definite no? Not a chance."

Verdict and Sentencing ([43:41] - [45:29])

On September 9, 2022, Jerry Westrom was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Jeannie Childs. Despite the conviction, questions lingered regarding the completeness and conclusiveness of the evidence presented.

Detective ([44:23]): "We’re saying now, you've got the wrong guy. We are sorry for the loss of Jeannie Childs' life."

Remaining Questions and Additional DNA Evidence ([30:43] - [35:05])

Further examination revealed that other DNA types were present at the crime scene, including semen matching unknown individuals and blood traces linked to John S. Wein. These findings suggest the possibility of additional perpetrators or contamination, fueling ongoing skepticism about Westrom's sole culpability.

Julie Rendelman ([31:55]): "According to lab reports, there was other DNA from semen discovered on Jeannie's purple panties that does not match Westrom. Whose DNA it is remains even today, a mystery."

Conclusion: Ongoing Controversy and Search for Truth ([45:29] - [46:17])

"The Footprint" underscores the complexities of criminal investigations and the profound implications of forensic evidence. While Westrom's conviction brought a semblance of closure to Jeannie's family, lingering doubts and unanswered questions persist, highlighting the quest for absolute justice in the face of scientific limitations.

Family Member ([44:12]): "The victim didn't deserve what they got. It's terrible sitting here. Jerry's paying for that, but it's not Jerry."

The episode invites listeners to reflect on the interplay between technology, human error, and the pursuit of truth within the justice system, leaving the door open for future developments and reevaluations of the case.

Notable Quotes:

• Detective ([02:15]): "It's an actual bare foot. I mean, wow."
• Andrea Faya ([17:03]): "Technology is so much more refined and rigorous than it was in 1993."
• Friend ([20:39]): "He was a good friend... Very low key."
• Mark Ulrich ([35:05]): "E1 and E2 were identified to Mr. Jerry Westrom."
• Wayne Triplett ([22:43]): "Definite no? Not a chance."
• Julie Rendelman ([31:55]): "Whose DNA it is remains even today, a mystery."

This detailed exploration of "The Footprint" episode captures the essence of Jeannie Childs' tragic murder, the meticulous investigative efforts, and the enduring quest for justice, all while highlighting the critical role of forensic science in modern criminal cases.