Serialously with Annie Elise

Episode 355: Vanished on Camera | The Case of Jennifer Kesse

Release Date: January 12, 2026
Host: Annie Elise
Production: Audioboom Studios

Overview of the Episode

In this emotional and meticulously detailed episode, Annie Elise delves into the mysterious 2006 disappearance of Jennifer Kesse, a 24-year-old woman from Orlando, Florida, who vanished after seemingly leaving for work one morning. Annie reconstructs Jennifer’s life, the chilling timeline of her disappearance, the family’s fight for answers, and the many angles and theories that have plagued investigators and online sleuths for nearly two decades. The episode aims to go beyond headlines, unpacking missed opportunities, overlooked clues, and the latest developments, making listeners feel as though they’re piecing together the puzzle with their true crime bestie.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Establishing Jennifer Kesse’s Character and Routine

Jennifer was diligent, safety-conscious, and unusually mature for her age.
She was proud of her career as a project manager at a timeshare company and owning her own condo.
Family described her as reliable and never one to “just blow off work.”
Jennifer’s daily habits emphasized consistent check-ins with loved ones and routines meant to keep her safe – she always locked her doors, texted or called family, and avoided strangers ([08:20]).

“She wanted to go out and have fun, but she was also somebody who was very big on safety…Her parents had instilled in her from her very young age.”
—Annie Elise ([08:30])

2. Timeline of Disappearance: January 23–24, 2006

Jennifer speaks with her parents and boyfriend Rob on the night of Jan 23rd.
On the 24th, she doesn’t show up for work or contact anyone – very uncharacteristic.
Her family learns from Jennifer’s worried boss that she missed a vital work meeting ([03:00]).
The condo management notes Jennifer’s black Chevy Malibu is missing; inside her apartment, all appears normal—fresh shower, makeup and clothes out, missing purse, phone, keys ([05:45]).

3. Family’s Initial Search and Police Response

The Kesses drive urgently from Tampa to Orlando, checking hospitals and the condo ([06:30]).
Inside, the only “out of place” fact: her new Nine West pumps are missing.
Police initially dismiss family’s fears, suggesting Jennifer probably “had a fight with her boyfriend” ([14:15]).
Family’s frustration: key timeline and behavioral clues ignored due to lack of visible crime scene.

“Officer came in, looked around for about 30 seconds, and then said, ‘She probably had a fight with her boyfriend. She’ll be back.’ And then the officer walked out.”
—Drew Kesse, Jennifer’s father, as quoted by Annie Elise ([14:45])

4. Turning Point: Discovery of Jennifer’s Car

After two agonizing days, an abandoned black Chevy Malibu is found at the nearby Huntington on the Green apartment complex (1.2 miles from Jennifer’s home) ([21:30]).
Security footage captures a person (not Jennifer) exiting her car; the figure’s face is frustratingly obscured by a fence in every frame ([26:20]).
The individual is roughly 5’3”-5’5” with a nondescript outfit and reportedly large feet.
FBI and police reach out to salons, businesses, and public, but more than 14,000 tips yield no breakthrough ([28:40]).

“Literally every single view that they were getting from this camera, the person’s face was behind a fence post, which, it’s so crazy because what are the odds of that, something like that even happening?”
—Annie Elise ([27:20])

5. Theories Explored & Persons of Interest

A. Current Boyfriend (Rob Allen)

Cleared by police; solid alibi, distance in Fort Lauderdale.
Rob had last spoken to Jennifer the night before; no history of tension or abuse ([12:00]).

B. Ex-Boyfriend (Matt)

Was at a bar across from Jennifer’s condo the night before her disappearance.
Investigated briefly; never polygraphed, but family does not suspect involvement ([40:39]).

C. Co-Worker (Johnny Campos)

Workplace supervisor known for unwanted advances toward Jennifer.
Arrived late the day she disappeared, allegedly “panicky” at the office ([43:00]).
Quoted making an ominous remark: “‘She was likely eaten up by alligators already.’” —as reported by co-worker Adam ([45:15]).
Not declared a person of interest by police, though his behavior is suspicious in eyes of internet sleuths and listeners.

D. Construction Workers at the Condo Complex

The complex was under construction, with various workers residing in empty units.
Jennifer had expressed discomfort about being catcalled and watched by these workers; some lived directly across from her ([47:00]).
New evidence suggests multiple women living there got similar unwanted attention ([59:10]).
Private investigator Michael Toretta highlights this angle: up to ten construction workers lived across from Jennifer, and he suspects possible group involvement ([60:43]).

6. Critical Theories Around Abduction & Timeline

Jennifer was likely abducted after leaving her condo to go to her car, between 7:30–8:00 am ([31:30]).
Debate: Could her condo scene have been staged? Family thinks the details are too authentic to have been faked by a stranger ([33:20]).
Scene possibly “contaminated” by search volunteers and family before police processed it as a crime scene ([24:50]).
Scent dog traced from car back to Jennifer’s condo, but yielded no actionable leads ([29:00]).

7. Key Evidence and Missed Opportunities

After family later secured full police files through a lawsuit, they discover significant investigative oversights and missing documentation ([55:34]).
Photos of Jennifer’s car hood (with suspicious smudge and handprint marks) were never highlighted by police; family believes they may indicate a violent encounter as Jennifer was abducted ([57:15]).
New witness tip: someone recalls seeing the car swerving, possibly with two people and a struggle inside ([58:45]).
Another tip: a rolled-up rug discarded in a nearby lake, matching the construction schedule, but searches yield nothing ([59:20]).

8. Aftermath & Ongoing Fight for Justice

Frustrated with the Orlando PD, the Kesse family hired private investigator Michael Toretta.
After a legal battle, gained access to 15,000 pages of police records – at a cost of $18,000 ([55:40]).
Family continued spreading awareness via media and the Find Jennifer Kesse Facebook page.

9. Recent Developments: Renewed Hope

In 2022, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) took over the case; a wave of new leads followed but grew cold again ([61:40]).
October 2025: Bombshell announcement — new DNA evidence has been identified and will be tested; list of persons of interest narrowed ([62:00]).
Family is cautiously optimistic, and a documentary series on Jennifer’s case is in development.

“First, they have advised us that Jennifer’s case is no longer cold. This is huge. ... We are told that there was DNA found within evidence that was never tested.”
—Kesse family statement via Annie Elise ([62:20])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Jennifer’s Family on Their Torment:

“I have not slept a full night in 20 years...I have two minds. Jennifer is always going.”
—Jennifer’s family member ([63:41])
Annie on Police Dismissal:

“It never gets any less frustrating. Her family knew the police’s theory was complete bullshit.” ([15:03])
On Key Evidence:

“It changes things, because the theory before was that maybe someone came up behind Jennifer and grabbed her or forced her into the car. But the marks on the hood make it seem like somebody snuck up from behind her and then threw her body against the hood of the car.”
—Annie Elise ([57:20])
Family’s Plea:

“We’re not interested in prosecuting. We just want our daughter back.”
—Kesse Family ([24:22])

Timestamps for Important Segments

[01:01] — Jennifer Kesse’s last night and summary of her disappearance
[03:00] — Family alerted by boss and beginning of frantic search
[12:00] — Examination of Jennifer’s romantic relationship and routine
[14:45] — Police’s dismissive response to the missing person report
[21:30] — Discovery of Jennifer’s missing car; surveillance video details
[24:22] — Emotional plea from Jennifer’s family
[26:20] — Description of surveillance footage and public appeal
[40:39] — Examination of ex-boyfriend Matt and workplace figures
[43:00] — Scrutiny of co-worker Johnny Campos and unsettling alligator remarks
[47:00] — Focus shifts to construction workers as possible suspects
[55:19] — Family’s legal battle to access investigation files
[57:15] — Car hood photos and new forensic theories
[62:00] — 2025 update: DNA evidence, renewed investigation
[63:41] — Emotional insight into the Kesse family’s enduring pain

Conclusion, Tone, and Call to Action

Annie’s conversational, empathetic tone guides listeners through the heartbreak and complexity of Jennifer’s disappearance while highlighting the failures and grit required to keep the case alive. The podcast closes by encouraging listeners to share Jennifer’s story, check the official Facebook page, and consider any information they might have relevant to the case—reminding the audience that sometimes justice and answers hinge on the smallest tip or a single viewer’s memory.

“Hopefully we will be getting justice for Jennifer very, very soon. And I’m hopeful that even though it’s been two long, long decades, hopefully her family get some answers here.”
—Annie Elise ([65:50])

Summary Table of Theories and Evidence

| Suspect/Angle | Status & Key Info | |---------------------------|----------------------------------------------| | Boyfriend (Rob Allen) | Cleared, strong alibi, last to speak to her | | Ex-boyfriend (Matt) | Cleared by police, at nearby bar, no followup | | Co-worker (Johnny Campos) | Unsettling comments, no official interest, office hears him berate Jennifer ([43:00]) | | Construction Workers | Lived in complex, catcalled Jennifer, primary theory by PI and family | | Abduction Circumstances | Likely leaving home to car, clues: hood smudges, surveillance | | Police Investigation | Initially dismissive, later provided incomplete records | | Latest DNA Evidence | October 2025: untested DNA, new life in the case |

How to Help

Share Jennifer’s story—including the Find Jennifer Kesse Facebook page
Submit any possible tips to authorities via listed channels in show notes
Support the Kesse family GoFundMe for continued investigation

This episode elegantly underscores the pain of ambiguous loss, the power—and powerlessness—of relentless advocacy, and the frustrating complexity of unsolved cases. Annie Elise makes the Kesse family’s fight personal, hopeful, and necessary.

Serialously with Annie Elise

Episode 355: Vanished on Camera | The Case of Jennifer Kesse

Release Date: January 12, 2026
Host: Annie Elise
Production: Audioboom Studios

Overview of the Episode

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Establishing Jennifer Kesse’s Character and Routine

Jennifer was diligent, safety-conscious, and unusually mature for her age.
She was proud of her career as a project manager at a timeshare company and owning her own condo.
Family described her as reliable and never one to “just blow off work.”
Jennifer’s daily habits emphasized consistent check-ins with loved ones and routines meant to keep her safe – she always locked her doors, texted or called family, and avoided strangers ([08:20]).

“She wanted to go out and have fun, but she was also somebody who was very big on safety…Her parents had instilled in her from her very young age.”
—Annie Elise ([08:30])

2. Timeline of Disappearance: January 23–24, 2006

Jennifer speaks with her parents and boyfriend Rob on the night of Jan 23rd.
On the 24th, she doesn’t show up for work or contact anyone – very uncharacteristic.
Her family learns from Jennifer’s worried boss that she missed a vital work meeting ([03:00]).
The condo management notes Jennifer’s black Chevy Malibu is missing; inside her apartment, all appears normal—fresh shower, makeup and clothes out, missing purse, phone, keys ([05:45]).

3. Family’s Initial Search and Police Response

The Kesses drive urgently from Tampa to Orlando, checking hospitals and the condo ([06:30]).
Inside, the only “out of place” fact: her new Nine West pumps are missing.
Police initially dismiss family’s fears, suggesting Jennifer probably “had a fight with her boyfriend” ([14:15]).
Family’s frustration: key timeline and behavioral clues ignored due to lack of visible crime scene.

“Officer came in, looked around for about 30 seconds, and then said, ‘She probably had a fight with her boyfriend. She’ll be back.’ And then the officer walked out.”
—Drew Kesse, Jennifer’s father, as quoted by Annie Elise ([14:45])

4. Turning Point: Discovery of Jennifer’s Car

After two agonizing days, an abandoned black Chevy Malibu is found at the nearby Huntington on the Green apartment complex (1.2 miles from Jennifer’s home) ([21:30]).
Security footage captures a person (not Jennifer) exiting her car; the figure’s face is frustratingly obscured by a fence in every frame ([26:20]).
The individual is roughly 5’3”-5’5” with a nondescript outfit and reportedly large feet.
FBI and police reach out to salons, businesses, and public, but more than 14,000 tips yield no breakthrough ([28:40]).

“Literally every single view that they were getting from this camera, the person’s face was behind a fence post, which, it’s so crazy because what are the odds of that, something like that even happening?”
—Annie Elise ([27:20])

5. Theories Explored & Persons of Interest

A. Current Boyfriend (Rob Allen)

Cleared by police; solid alibi, distance in Fort Lauderdale.
Rob had last spoken to Jennifer the night before; no history of tension or abuse ([12:00]).

B. Ex-Boyfriend (Matt)

Was at a bar across from Jennifer’s condo the night before her disappearance.
Investigated briefly; never polygraphed, but family does not suspect involvement ([40:39]).

C. Co-Worker (Johnny Campos)

Workplace supervisor known for unwanted advances toward Jennifer.
Arrived late the day she disappeared, allegedly “panicky” at the office ([43:00]).
Quoted making an ominous remark: “‘She was likely eaten up by alligators already.’” —as reported by co-worker Adam ([45:15]).
Not declared a person of interest by police, though his behavior is suspicious in eyes of internet sleuths and listeners.

D. Construction Workers at the Condo Complex

The complex was under construction, with various workers residing in empty units.
Jennifer had expressed discomfort about being catcalled and watched by these workers; some lived directly across from her ([47:00]).
New evidence suggests multiple women living there got similar unwanted attention ([59:10]).
Private investigator Michael Toretta highlights this angle: up to ten construction workers lived across from Jennifer, and he suspects possible group involvement ([60:43]).

6. Critical Theories Around Abduction & Timeline

Jennifer was likely abducted after leaving her condo to go to her car, between 7:30–8:00 am ([31:30]).
Debate: Could her condo scene have been staged? Family thinks the details are too authentic to have been faked by a stranger ([33:20]).
Scene possibly “contaminated” by search volunteers and family before police processed it as a crime scene ([24:50]).
Scent dog traced from car back to Jennifer’s condo, but yielded no actionable leads ([29:00]).

7. Key Evidence and Missed Opportunities

After family later secured full police files through a lawsuit, they discover significant investigative oversights and missing documentation ([55:34]).
Photos of Jennifer’s car hood (with suspicious smudge and handprint marks) were never highlighted by police; family believes they may indicate a violent encounter as Jennifer was abducted ([57:15]).
New witness tip: someone recalls seeing the car swerving, possibly with two people and a struggle inside ([58:45]).
Another tip: a rolled-up rug discarded in a nearby lake, matching the construction schedule, but searches yield nothing ([59:20]).

8. Aftermath & Ongoing Fight for Justice

Frustrated with the Orlando PD, the Kesse family hired private investigator Michael Toretta.
After a legal battle, gained access to 15,000 pages of police records – at a cost of $18,000 ([55:40]).
Family continued spreading awareness via media and the Find Jennifer Kesse Facebook page.

9. Recent Developments: Renewed Hope

In 2022, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) took over the case; a wave of new leads followed but grew cold again ([61:40]).
October 2025: Bombshell announcement — new DNA evidence has been identified and will be tested; list of persons of interest narrowed ([62:00]).
Family is cautiously optimistic, and a documentary series on Jennifer’s case is in development.

“First, they have advised us that Jennifer’s case is no longer cold. This is huge. ... We are told that there was DNA found within evidence that was never tested.”
—Kesse family statement via Annie Elise ([62:20])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Jennifer’s Family on Their Torment:

“I have not slept a full night in 20 years...I have two minds. Jennifer is always going.”
—Jennifer’s family member ([63:41])
Annie on Police Dismissal:

“It never gets any less frustrating. Her family knew the police’s theory was complete bullshit.” ([15:03])
On Key Evidence:

“It changes things, because the theory before was that maybe someone came up behind Jennifer and grabbed her or forced her into the car. But the marks on the hood make it seem like somebody snuck up from behind her and then threw her body against the hood of the car.”
—Annie Elise ([57:20])
Family’s Plea:

“We’re not interested in prosecuting. We just want our daughter back.”
—Kesse Family ([24:22])

Timestamps for Important Segments

[01:01] — Jennifer Kesse’s last night and summary of her disappearance
[03:00] — Family alerted by boss and beginning of frantic search
[12:00] — Examination of Jennifer’s romantic relationship and routine
[14:45] — Police’s dismissive response to the missing person report
[21:30] — Discovery of Jennifer’s missing car; surveillance video details
[24:22] — Emotional plea from Jennifer’s family
[26:20] — Description of surveillance footage and public appeal
[40:39] — Examination of ex-boyfriend Matt and workplace figures
[43:00] — Scrutiny of co-worker Johnny Campos and unsettling alligator remarks
[47:00] — Focus shifts to construction workers as possible suspects
[55:19] — Family’s legal battle to access investigation files
[57:15] — Car hood photos and new forensic theories
[62:00] — 2025 update: DNA evidence, renewed investigation
[63:41] — Emotional insight into the Kesse family’s enduring pain

Conclusion, Tone, and Call to Action

“Hopefully we will be getting justice for Jennifer very, very soon. And I’m hopeful that even though it’s been two long, long decades, hopefully her family get some answers here.”
—Annie Elise ([65:50])

Summary Table of Theories and Evidence

How to Help

Share Jennifer’s story—including the Find Jennifer Kesse Facebook page
Submit any possible tips to authorities via listed channels in show notes
Support the Kesse family GoFundMe for continued investigation

355: Vanished on Camera | The Case of Jennifer Kesse

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Summary

Serialously with Annie Elise

Episode 355: Vanished on Camera | The Case of Jennifer Kesse

Overview of the Episode

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Establishing Jennifer Kesse’s Character and Routine

2. Timeline of Disappearance: January 23–24, 2006

3. Family’s Initial Search and Police Response

4. Turning Point: Discovery of Jennifer’s Car

5. Theories Explored & Persons of Interest

6. Critical Theories Around Abduction & Timeline

7. Key Evidence and Missed Opportunities

8. Aftermath & Ongoing Fight for Justice

9. Recent Developments: Renewed Hope

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Important Segments

Conclusion, Tone, and Call to Action

Summary Table of Theories and Evidence

How to Help

Summary

Serialously with Annie Elise

Episode 355: Vanished on Camera | The Case of Jennifer Kesse

Overview of the Episode

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Establishing Jennifer Kesse’s Character and Routine

2. Timeline of Disappearance: January 23–24, 2006

3. Family’s Initial Search and Police Response

4. Turning Point: Discovery of Jennifer’s Car

5. Theories Explored & Persons of Interest

6. Critical Theories Around Abduction & Timeline

7. Key Evidence and Missed Opportunities

8. Aftermath & Ongoing Fight for Justice

9. Recent Developments: Renewed Hope

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Important Segments

Conclusion, Tone, and Call to Action

Summary Table of Theories and Evidence

How to Help