Podcast Summary: Going West: True Crime – "Jodi Huisentruit" (Episode 502)
Episode Information
- Title: Jodi Huisentruit
- Podcast: Going West: True Crime
- Hosts: Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman
- Release Date: May 13, 2025
1. Introduction and Listener Engagement
The episode opens with Daphne expressing gratitude to listeners for recommending the Jodi Huisentruit case, highlighting its enduring mystery and recent developments. Listeners such as Sarah, Eloy, Molly, and others are thanked for their suggestions ([01:37]).
Daphne: "This is one of those cases that is so mysterious that it is really stuck in my mind since I heard it for the first time... a really disturbing, perplexing story." ([02:24])
2. Background of Jodi Huisentruit
Daphne provides an in-depth look into Jodi’s early life, emphasizing her strong family bonds, charisma, and dedication to her career. Born on June 5, 1968, in Long Prairie, Minnesota, Jodi excelled in sports, particularly golf, during her high school years. Her athletic prowess transitioned into a promising career in journalism after graduating from St. Cloud University with a degree in mass communications ([03:21] - [10:14]).
Daphne: "Jodi was a dedicated worker, but also had amazing qualities out of the office... she really wanted to put a lot of her time into her family and the people that were surrounding." ([09:34])
3. Leads Up to the Disappearance
In June 1995, Jodi, then a 27-year-old morning news anchor, embarked on a weekend trip to Coralville Lake with friends Tammy, Annie, and John Van Cise. Despite the fun trip, Jodi had been experiencing stalking behavior, including disturbing anonymous phone calls and a previous incident of being followed during a jog ([10:14] - [14:19]).
Heath: "It's very, very unhinged... even if you're just a local news anchor." ([12:58])
4. The Morning of Disappearance
On June 27, 1995, Jodi failed to arrive at work for her morning broadcast, raising immediate concern. Her last known action was leaving her apartment hurriedly, equipped with her hairdryer and hairspray, suggesting she was preparing for work ([14:19] - [23:09]). Investigators discovered signs of a struggle outside her car, including a high-heeled shoe and scattered personal items, but no body ([23:09] - [24:57]).
Daphne: "If someone was waiting outside for her, they'd have to have been really close to her car, waiting to kind of jump out and grab her." ([64:20])
5. Investigation and Suspects
The investigation quickly classified Jodi's disappearance as an abduction, involving extensive searches and over 800 interviews without significant leads ([24:57] - [35:04]). Notable leads included sightings of a suspicious white Ford Econoline van and connections to individuals like Tony DeJohn Jackson and Thomas Korskaden, both of whom exhibited concerning behavior post-disappearance ([35:04] - [50:09]).
Heath: "Despite efforts to identify the driver or trace down the vehicle, the alleged white 40 Connelline van sadly remained a mystery." ([40:53])
6. Focus on John Van Cise
John Van Cise, a friend of Jodi's who spent time with her the weekend before her disappearance, became a person of interest. His behavior, including naming his boat after Jodi and offering his clothes to her, raised suspicions. Despite passing a polygraph test and maintaining his innocence, inconsistencies in his alibi and subsequent relocation to Arizona heightened scrutiny ([50:09] - [56:33]).
Daphne: "If I can't have her, no one can. Perhaps just a thought." ([52:36])
7. Emerging Theories and Renewed Investigations
Private Investigator Steve Ridge introduced new theories linking Jodi’s disappearance to jealousy over a recent relationship. Renewed investigations in 2017 included tracking John’s vehicle movements, although these efforts did not yield conclusive evidence ([56:33] - [64:20]).
Daphne: "Was this just somebody in the area's van? All these people are coming forward with these clues that could help, but we really don't know if they're reliable." ([37:00])
8. Current Status and Ongoing Search
As of 2025, nearly 30 years after her disappearance, Jodi Huisentruit remains missing. Mason City Police Chief Jeff Brinkley emphasizes that the case remains active and unsolved, urging anyone with information to come forward. The community continues to hold hope for closure, while Jodi’s family remains steadfast in their search for answers ([64:38] - [67:02]).
Chief Brinkley: "It's never been a cold case for us. It's been an active investigation since it happened." ([64:38])
9. Conclusion and Call to Action
The hosts conclude by reflecting on the complexity and enduring mystery of Jodi’s case, highlighting the emotional toll on her family and the relentless pursuit of justice by law enforcement. They encourage listeners to stay engaged and share any pertinent information that could aid in solving the case.
Daphne: "I really hope that her family can get answers someday and that we can figure out what really happened to her." ([67:37])
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Daphne: "This is one of those cases that is so mysterious that it is really stuck in my mind since I heard it for the first time... a really disturbing, perplexing story." ([02:24])
- Heath: "It's very, very unhinged... even if you're just a local news anchor." ([12:58])
- Daphne: "If I can't have her, no one can. Perhaps just a thought." ([52:36])
- Chief Brinkley: "It's never been a cold case for us. It's been an active investigation since it happened." ([64:38])
Final Thoughts The disappearance of Jodi Huisentruit remains one of America's enduring true crime mysteries. Despite extensive investigations and numerous theories, the truth behind her abduction and disappearance continues to elude authorities. "Going West: True Crime" offers a comprehensive exploration of the case, emphasizing the need for renewed attention and collective efforts to uncover the truth.
For more information or to share tips, listeners are encouraged to contact the Mason City Police Department at 641-421-3636 or visit findjody.com.
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