Melissa Jenkins // 484

Tue Mar 11 2025

In March of 2012, a beloved 33-year-old high school science teacher went missing from Vermont after heading out to help someone with apparent car troubles. When her abandoned vehicle was discovered with her two-year-old son still inside, a frantic search began. And when detectives began looking into a local man who used to work for her, a sinister plot unraveled. This is the story of Melissa Jenkins.

Summary

Podcast Summary: Going West: True Crime - Episode 484: Melissa Jenkins

Hosts: Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman (Krista)

Release Date: March 11, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 484 of Going West: True Crime, hosts Krista and Daphne delve into the harrowing case of Melissa Jenkins, a beloved high school science teacher whose mysterious disappearance and subsequent murder shocked the quiet town of Saint Johnsbury, Vermont. Despite occurring 13 years prior, the case unraveled long-standing enigmas, bringing closure to many perplexing questions.

Background: Melissa Jenkins

Melissa Jenkins, born on November 23, 1978, was a dedicated science teacher at Saint Johnsbury Academy, a prestigious private school in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom. Melissa was celebrated by students and colleagues alike for her kindness, approachability, and commitment to her students' well-being. She not only taught physics but also coached girls' basketball and soccer, earning a reputation as a role model, especially among teenage girls.

Krista highlights Melissa's deep roots in Vermont:

"[Melissa] was ready to stay [in Vermont]. She knew she didn't want to leave the state again." [05:34]

Melissa balanced her professional life with motherhood, raising her two-year-old son, Ty, as a single parent after her relationship with B.J. Robertson, a professional basketball player, ended. To support her family, Melissa pursued a master’s degree and worked additional jobs, including waiting tables at the local Creamery restaurant.

The Disappearance

On the evening of Sunday, March 25, 2012, around 8:30 PM, Melissa received a call from an acquaintance experiencing car trouble. Known for her generous nature, Melissa volunteered to assist despite it being a school night and leaving her son alone at home. Before departing, she informed her friend Randy about her plans, ensuring someone knew her whereabouts.

Krista emphasizes Melissa’s character:

"Melissa would never leave her baby in the car unattended." [10:02]

However, Melissa never returned. Randy grew worried as hours passed without any news. At 11 PM, he discovered Melissa's Suzuki SUV abandoned on the roadside with Ty asleep inside but found no trace of Melissa.

Investigation Unfolds

The investigation quickly pointed towards Allen and Patricia Prue, a local couple who had a professional relationship with Melissa through snowplowing services. Key pieces of evidence included:

Burner Phone: Melissa received the distressing call from a burner phone purchased by the Prues a month prior.

"The caller was clearly trying to hide their identity." [12:34]
Surveillance Footage: Security video showed a blonde woman (Patricia) purchasing the burner phone.

"The store really came through here. And they sent the picture to the FBI." [18:06]
Physical Evidence: A black shoe belonging to Melissa and a Polaris brand men's baseball hat matching Allen's attire were found near the crime scene.

Krista recounts Ty’s terrifying account:

"Ty gestured with his hands around his neck, saying that someone had done that to his mom." [13:21]

Despite initial denials, inconsistencies in the Prues' alibis and the mounting evidence led to their arrest on March 28, 2012.

Suspects: Allen and Patricia Prue

Background of the Prues:

Allen Prue: A 33-year-old snowplow driver from Saint Johnsbury with a stable reputation until his relationship with Patricia unfolded.
Patricia Prue: A 30-year-old bisexual woman from New York who moved in with Allen after meeting online. Their relationship was tumultuous, characterized by Patricia's mental health struggles and their mutual interest in exploring their sexualities.

Krista describes Patricia's influence:

"She sought to get even with those who had wronged her. 'People will be surprised of what she is capable of.'" [39:49]

Melissa had previously declined Allen’s advances, citing discomfort with his persistent and inappropriate behavior. A neighbor reported seeing Allen lurking near Melissa's driveway on the day of her disappearance, further incriminating him.

Confronting the Evidence

Faced with overwhelming evidence, Allen and Patricia eventually confessed to the murder. Their motive stemmed from a deranged obsession with Melissa, leading them to orchestrate a plan that disastrously failed.

Krista summarizes their motive:

"They wanted this to be non-consensual. They wanted to take her against her will and rape her." [32:59]

Key revelations included:

Premeditation: Patricia's laptop revealed searches on how to commit violent crimes without detection.
Confession: Allen admitted his and Patricia's fixation on Melissa and their brutal actions to abduct and murder her.
Cover-Up: They attempted to dispose of Melissa's body by dousing it with bleach, weighing it down, and hiding it in the Connecticut River. They also destroyed evidence by burning her clothes and the burner phone.

Trial and Sentencing

Allen Prue faced a trial beginning in October 2014, where his defense attempted to shift blame solely onto Patricia, citing his past and low intelligence as factors that made him susceptible to coercion. However, his own confession undermined this strategy, leading to his conviction on multiple charges, including first-degree murder and kidnapping.

Patricia Prue initially denied involvement but later pleaded guilty to avoid a prolonged trial, accepting a life sentence without parole. Her defense cited severe mental illness, but this plea was met with skepticism by both hosts and the community.

Daphne comments on the trial outcomes:

"You know, he admitted to strangling her... he's not innocent in this." [42:21]

Aftermath and Reflections

The community of Saint Johnsbury mourned Melissa Jenkins deeply. A memorial service highlighted the community's respect and love for Melissa, celebrating her life despite the tragic loss.

Krista reflects on the case:

"It's so disgusting. So thank you guys so much for listening to that frustrating case." [50:36]

Melissa’s family found some solace in the convictions of the Prues, though nothing could bring her back. Melissa's legacy as a dedicated teacher and loving mother remains a poignant reminder of the senselessness of her murder.

Daphne concludes:

"She never deserved what they put her through." [49:55]

Conclusion

Episode 484 of Going West: True Crime offers a comprehensive and emotionally charged examination of Melissa Jenkins' tragic story. Through meticulous investigation and the unwavering pursuit of justice, the podcast sheds light on the dark intersection of obsession and violence, honoring Melissa's memory while exposing the depths of human depravity.

Notable Quotes:

Krista: "Any normal person would just say, you know what? That's totally fine. You know, have a great day." [33:26]
Daphne: "They were out to hurt someone." [50:36]
Krista: "She doesn't want to admit to guilt." [42:47]

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