True Crime All The Time Unsolved

Episode 405: The Disappearance of Jodi Huisentruit
Release Date: March 10, 2025
Hosts: Mike Ferguson & Mike Gibson ("Gibby")

Episode Overview

In this compelling episode, Mike Ferguson and Gibby delve into the unresolved disappearance of Jodi Huisentruit, a beloved local news anchor from Mason City, Iowa, who vanished without a trace on June 27, 1995. Through detailed storytelling, the hosts examine Jodi's life, the timeline of her disappearance, major suspects, and the ongoing mystery and theories that persist—almost 30 years later. The episode reflects the show's signature balance of respectful true crime inquiry and occasional light-hearted banter.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Jodi Huisentruit: The Rising Star

• Background (03:15–05:44):

  • Jodi was ambitious and always dreamed of being a news anchor; she achieved early local celebrity status in Mason City, Iowa.
  • She worked at KIMT TV, anchoring the morning "Daybreak" and noon news segments.
  • Known for her outgoing personality and athleticism, especially as a skilled golfer.

• Community Impact (06:04–07:56):

  • Mayor Carl Miller called her a "true celebrity" due to her accessibility and involvement.
  • Her popularity brought a sense of responsibility—and vulnerability.

• Work Environment & Personality (08:13–11:14):

  • Jodi was described as lively, sometimes demanding, and prone to mood swings, possibly due to her grueling early-morning schedule.
  • “She would often snap at me, then she would turn around and clap, stand up at her desk and proclaim, 'I love life.'” – Amy Coons (10:46)

Warning Signs and Unusual Incidents

• Prior Stalking Incident (11:26–12:44):

  • In October 1994, Jodi was followed by a man in a white truck while jogging, prompting her to file a police report.

• Annoying Calls & Heightened Anxiety (16:02–17:29):

  • Jodi mentioned getting “annoying phone calls” before her disappearance and planned to change her number.

The Social Circle & Suspects

John Van Sise (12:44–15:56, 31:00–34:15, 47:04–50:41)

• A recently-divorced, older acquaintance who became close to Jodi—so much so he named his boat after her, raising concerns among her friends.
• Frequently expressed protectiveness, saying, “She was like a daughter to me. She was just like my own child. I treated her like my own child.” (27:19)
• Displayed jealousy when others interacted with Jodi, as attested by several friends.
• His behavior appeared obsessive to some, and his alibi and actions around the time of disappearance have been continuously scrutinized.

Tony Jackson (36:13–41:34)

• Serial rapist in Minnesota/Iowa, stalked female victims and had a violent history.
• Focal point due to proximity, criminal methods, and jailhouse “confession rap” mentioning a woman in Tiffin, which aligned with searches for Jodi.
• Eventually, police cleared him as a suspect following extensive investigation.

Other Persons of Interest

• Anthony Zappa (44:08–47:04):

  • A violent criminal with a history of abductions; similarities in modus operandi to Jodi's case.
  • Ultimately ruled out due to probable imprisonment at the time of Jodi’s disappearance.

• Possible New Boyfriend (52:04–54:13):

  • In 2023, it was revealed Jodi met a man only 10 days prior, seeing him 8 times. PI Steve Ridge suggested jealousy over this new relationship could be the key motive.

The Morning of the Disappearance

Timeline (18:08–24:11):

• Jodi was last heard from at 4:10 a.m. on June 27, 1995, answering a wake-up call from assistant Amy and promising to be at work shortly.
• She never arrived.
• At 7:15 a.m. police found her car in the apartment lot—heels, blow dryer, earrings, hairspray, and a bent car key scattered nearby; drag marks suggested a struggle.
• “CBS reported there were drag marks near the car.” (22:13)
• No significant forensic evidence, though a partial palm print and hair were found.

Investigation Notes (24:11–34:15):

• Immediate search yielded no sign of Jodi.
• Her friend and sometimes-person-of-interest, John Van Sise, called the station inquiring about her absence—prior to it being public knowledge.
• Police and FBI involvement escalated, but leads frequently went cold; the case remains unsolved.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “This young lady is a true celebrity in this city... She really has gotten involved in the community.”
  — Mason City Mayor Carl Miller, quoted by Mike Ferguson (06:06)

• “She was very demanding. She would often snap at me, then she would turn around and clap, stand up at her desk and proclaim, ‘I love life.’ I could never figure her out.”
  — Amy Coons, Jodi’s assistant (10:46)

• “If a guy names his boat after you, I think you have to have some concern.”
  — Mike Gibson (14:51)

• “The bent car key is interesting. Could it have been that she had gotten the key in the lock and then was grabbed...?”
  — Mike Ferguson (22:54)

• “She was like a daughter to me. She was just like my own child. I treated her like my own child.”
  — John Van Sise (27:19)

• “There were times where you were in my office. And maybe some tough conversations were had.”
  — Mike Ferguson to Gibby, reflecting on workplace dynamics (08:44)

• “Either had nothing to do with it or you’re going for broke. Right. You know you did, but you’re hoping that by providing all of this, it makes you look as though you’re not guilty.”
  — Mike Ferguson, regarding Van Sise’s cooperation (50:15)

Latest Developments & Continued Investigation

Unsealing of Search Warrants & New Leads (55:19–57:30, 56:56–59:17):

• In late 2024, efforts intensify to unseal the 2017 search warrant related to Van Sise's vehicles; county attorneys argue that doing so could compromise the investigation.
• PI Steve Ridge confidently asserts he’s narrowed the suspect list to “four people,” claiming, “I’m 100% certain that I do have Jody’s killer or at least abductor on my list.” (54:13)

Current Status (58:58–60:22):

• With the passing of John Van Sise (Dec 2024) and ongoing legal wrangling, answers remain elusive.
• The 30th anniversary of Jodi’s disappearance approaches, with renewed calls for tips and information.

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Jodi’s Background and Career: 03:15–06:47
• Prior Stalking Incident: 11:26
• Jodi’s Last Day Timeline: 16:02–24:11
• Discovery of the Crime Scene: 21:35–24:11
• Suspect Focus—John Van Sise: 12:44–15:56, 31:00–34:15, 47:04–50:41
• Tony Jackson Analysis: 36:13–41:34
• Breakthroughs & New Leads: 52:04–54:13, 55:19–57:30
• Case Wrap-Up & Final Thoughts: 58:58–61:08

Open Questions & Theories

• Was Jodi targeted by someone in her close circle—possibly John Van Sise?
• Could the new boyfriend—whose identity has not been made public—be connected as PI Ridge suggests?
• Did her status as a local celebrity attract a dangerous stranger?
• What critical, sealed evidence remains out of public view, and will its unsealing finally bring answers?

Contact Information for Tips

• Mason City Police Department: 641-421-3636
• Iowa DCI Special Agent Ryan Herman: Email r.hermanps@state.mn.us
• Find Jody Group: FindJody.com

Host Reflections

The hosts close by reflecting on the perplexity of this case—unusual for the certainty of Jodi’s last known moments and the chilling scarcity of evidence in the intervening minutes. They express hope that ongoing legal developments and new leads may finally provide closure and justice for Jodi and her loved ones.

For more resources, visit FindJody.com and related true crime advocacy organizations.