Up and Vanished Weekly: VANISHED: Jodi Huisentruit (RE-RELEASE)
Release Date: August 13, 2025
Host/Author: Tenderfoot TV
Duration: Approximately 54 minutes

Introduction

The episode delves into the enigmatic disappearance of Jodi Huisentruit, a beloved local news anchor from Mason City, Iowa, who vanished on June 27, 1995. As the case approaches its 30-year mark, host Maggie Freeling and Payne Lindsay, along with producer Meredith Steadman, revisit the investigation, uncovering new insights and exploring lingering questions that have kept this mystery alive.

Background: Jodi Huisentruit's Life and Career

Jodi Huisentruit was a vibrant 27-year-old morning news anchor at KIMT in Mason City, Iowa. Described by friends and colleagues as a "bright light" in the small town, Jodi had recently embarked on her journalism career, mirroring the aspirations of her hosts who also sought to make their mark in the field. Her sudden disappearance left the community and the nation bewildered, given her promising future and cherished presence.

Notable Quote:

Maggie Freeling [02:21]: "Welcome to Up and Vanish Weekly. I'm Maggie Freeling. Today we're talking about a case that I have felt particularly connected to since the first time I heard about it."

The Morning of Disappearance: June 27, 1995

Jodi's disappearance began subtly. On the morning of June 27, 1995, her usual routine was disrupted. Jodi failed to arrive at the station at her scheduled time, leading her producer, Amy Kunz, to grow increasingly concerned as hours passed without word.

Key Events:

• 2:00 AM: Amy Kunz arrives at KIMT to prepare for the day's broadcast.
• 3:00 AM: Jodi is expected but doesn't show up.
• 4:00 AM: After repeated calls, Jodi apologizes for oversleeping but fails to arrive.
• 6:00 AM: Police conduct a wellness check after two hours of no contact.

At 7:30 AM, authorities discover unsettling evidence near Jodi's red Mazda Miata, including scattered personal items and signs of a struggle, such as a bent car key and drag marks.

Notable Quote:

Maggie Freeling [09:49]: "As an early morning news anchor, Jodi had a strict routine. On days she was on the air, she arrived at the station at 3am preparing for the 6am broadcast."

Initial Investigation: Evidence and Leads

The initial investigation revealed signs suggestive of foul play but lacked sufficient evidence to pinpoint the perpetrator. Key findings included:

• Scene Evidence:

  • High-heeled shoe, hairdryer, hairbrush, hairspray scattered around.
  • Bent car key and damaged car mirror indicating possible abduction.
  • Pile of beer cans near the parking lot, raising questions about potential witnesses or additional clues.

• Apartment Findings:

  • No signs of forced entry.
  • Used wine glasses and an unusual observation of the toilet seat left up, hinting at possible male presence.

Notable Quote:

Payne Lindsay [14:27]: "It appears to be a crime scene, but we don't know if a crime took place there because I remember feeling like, is there a chance this was staged?"

Suspects and Theories

1. John Van Cise: A Central Figure

John Van Cise, a friend who hosted Jodi's birthday party weeks before her disappearance, emerged as a person of interest. His behavior and relationship with Jodi raised suspicions:

• Birthday Party Video:
  The video showcased Jodi dancing closely with John, who was significantly older and seemed intensely fixated on her.

• Last Seen Alive:
  John claimed to be the last person to see Jodi alive, a statement that cast a long shadow over his involvement.

• Interaction with the Investigation Team:
  When Payne Lindsay and Meredith Steadman attempted to interview John, he was evasive and hostile, further fueling suspicions.

Notable Quote:

Payne Lindsay [22:36]: "You cannot disregard the fact that he's the last person, by his own admission, to maybe have seen her alive. So I think there's good reason to want those questions to be cleared up."

2. Serial Rapist and Stalker Theories

Jodi had previously reported being followed and attending self-defense classes, indicating she may have been targeted by a stalker or serial rapist.

• White Van Sightings:
  Witnesses reported a white Ford Econoline van near Jodi's apartment on the morning of her disappearance, paralleling her earlier reports of being followed by a similar vehicle.

• Potential Suspects:

  • Tony Jackson: Linked to multiple similar disappearances and a grim prophecy of killing a news anchor, though he was eventually cleared without a concrete alibi.
  • Dirk Jablonski: A stalker who lived near Jodi and attended the same golf tournament on the day before she vanished.

Notable Quote:

Meredith Steadman [30:03]: "Tony Jackson... was eventually cleared by the police. However, it's unclear why he was cleared because he didn't have an alibi for that night."

3. The Drug-Related Theory

A compelling theory connects Jodi's disappearance to her investigation into local methamphetamine operations.

• Billy Pruin's Death:
  Jodi's friend Billy Pruin died from a gunshot wound under suspicious circumstances, initially ruled a suicide but re-evaluated to undetermined due to lack of gunshot residue and Pruin's unique inability to shoot himself properly.

• Dustin Honkin:
  A meth kingpin involved in multiple disappearances, including that of Billy Pruin, who was charged with five murders in 2001. It's posited that Jodi might have unearthed damning information linking her to these criminal activities.

Notable Quote:

Payne Lindsay [42:27]: "Billy was looking into like a meth problem in the Mason City area. There was a theory that Jodi was looking into Billy Pruin's death because she's a journalist and was interested in covering these hard-hitting stories."

New Developments and Re-Release Insights

The re-release episode introduces a video of Jodi's last birthday party, providing fresh material for analysis. Additionally, new information from an Oxygen Network program hints at undisclosed evidence linking John Van Cise to the case.

• John Van Cise's Response:
  During an attempted interview by Payne and the team, John displayed hostility and refused to cooperate, stating, "The truth will eventually come out."

Notable Quote:

Maggie Freeling [39:30]: "If you think a man doesn't want to talk to you, that makes him guilty."

Investigation Challenges and Reflections

The team discusses the persistent challenges in solving Jodi's case, primarily due to the absence of a body and the myriad of potential suspects. They highlight issues such as police turnover, lack of physical evidence, and the difficulty in verifying alibis decades later.

Notable Quote:

Payne Lindsay [47:48]: "The problem with this case is I think Mason City, Iowa has had four sheriffs or police department heads since this case happened... They weren't prepared for a case of this magnitude."

Conclusion: Unresolved Questions and Ongoing Pursuits

Despite extensive investigation and multiple theories, Jodi Huisentruit's disappearance remains unsolved. The hosts emphasize the importance of revisiting cold cases with fresh perspectives and new technologies to uncover the truth. They also call upon listeners to contribute any information they might possess, keeping Jodi's memory alive and the quest for answers ongoing.

Notable Quote:

Amy Kunz [53:22]: "I want to tell Jody's story, which is my story. If I can find a purpose behind all of this and help, even if I just help one person, mission accomplished."

Call to Action

Listeners are encouraged to provide any information related to Jodi Huisentruit's disappearance through the provided channels:

• Tip Line: 640-1999-1109
• Email: teamindjody.com
• Anonymous Tip: tip@findjodi.com
• Mason City Police Department: 641-421-3636

Production Credits

Hosts:

• Maggie Freeling
• Payne Lindsay

Production Team:

• Writers: Maggie Freeling, Payne Lindsay, John Street
• Executive Producers: Donald Albright, Maggie Freeling
• Lead Producer: John Street
• Additional Production: Meredith Steadman, Mike Rooney
• Research: Jamie Albright, Celicia Stanton, Carolyn Tallmadge
• Editing and Mixing: Dylan Harrington, Sean Nurney
• Supervising Producer: Tracy Kaplan
• Artwork: Byron McCoy
• Original Music: Makeup and Vanity Set

Special Thanks:
Oren Rosenbaum, the team at UTA, Beck Media and Marketing, and the Nord Group.

For more episodes and similar content, search Tenderfoot TV on your favorite podcast platform or visit Tenderfoot TV's official website.