Who Killed Jennifer Judd? – Episode 5: 99% Certain

Release Date: September 11, 2024
Host: Sarah Kaelin
Guest: Justin Judd

Introduction

In Episode 5, titled "99% Certain," of the gripping true crime series Who Killed Jennifer Judd?, host Sarah Kaelin delves deeper into the enigmatic and unresolved case of Jennifer Judd’s tragic death. This episode focuses on the primary suspects, the nuances of evidence, and the lingering questions that continue to perplex investigators and those close to the case.

Recalling the Relationship

Justin Judd, Jennifer's husband, provides a heartfelt recount of their relationship, highlighting both the depth of their bond and underlying tensions.

• First Meeting and Courtship:

  • [03:03]: "We walked from Starla's house down to the softball field and we had our first kiss in the dugout."
  • Justin reminisces about meeting Jennifer at age 16 and their subsequent four-year relationship leading to marriage.

• Competitive Nature:

  • [03:38]: "We kinda pretty much grew up together as far as, you know, from 16 to 20."
  • [03:38]: "We were so jealous of each other. It was super competitive between her and I."

• Wedding Day:

  • [05:00]: Jennifer and Justin planned a spring wedding in May 1992, which Justin describes as a "really nice wedding."
  • [05:39]: Reflecting on his vow to "love and protect," Justin expresses deep remorse: "I didn't protect her. And those words have haunted me for a long time."

• Daily Remembrance:

  • [06:03]: "Daily, pretty much daily. Not just the wedding, just a song you hear or different things he mentions."

The Night of the Murder

The episode revisits the fateful morning of May 11, 1992, when Jennifer Judd was found dead in her apartment.

• Discovery of Jennifer:

  • [13:53]: Justin recounts finding Jennifer on the kitchen floor: "I opened the door and it was dark... I saw her laying there. My first thought was she was anemic and had some problem."
  • The sudden tragedy leaves Justin in a state of shock, leading to memory blackouts regarding the immediate events.

• Initial Police Investigation:

  • [15:17]: Justin describes the police's swift suspicion of their friend, Chuck Chance: "It took a lot of convincing for them to even have me consider him as a suspect because he was my friend."

Primary Suspects

1. Chuck Chance

A central figure in the investigation, Chuck Chance’s connection to Jennifer and Justin has been a focal point.

• Justin’s Perspective:

  • [07:57]: "Even being as young as I was, I wasn't a big fan of that because I really felt like it was putting the person, it was making it too much of a whodunit."
  • [08:12]: Justin maintains his suspicion: "In my opinion, I feel like one person done it, one person knows he did it and he has not told a single person."

• Altercations and Motive:

  • Reports suggest Chuck had a volatile history with Jennifer, including a notable incident where he allegedly pushed her, leading to friction.

• Evidence Against Chuck:

  • [22:46]: Justin expresses confidence in Chuck’s guilt: "I would fall back on [the KBI's assessment] that there's a 99.9% chance that this one person did it."

• Counterpoints:

  • Susan sources, including friends of Jennifer, argue that Chuck’s temper was not directly linked to violent intentions towards Jennifer.

2. Jeremy Jones

Another suspect who emerged a decade later with a confession that remains contentious.

• Jones’ Confession:

  • Jeremy claims the murder was a "lover's quarrel," but inconsistencies in his statements have cast doubt on his involvement.

• Discrepancies Highlighted:

  • [25:24]: Justin dismisses Jones' confession: "From what I gather, his Emma was raped. And I really feel like he would have probably raped her if it was him."
  • Jones described interactions with Chuck that Justin and others have no memory of, raising questions about their validity.

• Inconsistencies in Jones’ Statements:

  • Claims of conversations between Jones and Chuck that never materialized in public or personal accounts.

Evidence and Investigation Developments

• Fingerprints on the Murder Weapon:

  • [31:00]: Advanced fingerprint technology in 2000 identified three prints on the knife blade that did not match Chuck Chance.
  • The absence of the actual knife in current archives hampers re-examination of this critical evidence.

• Missing Evidence:

  • The knife, crucial for reanalysis, is unaccounted for: "They initially said they had it, but later denied possessing it."

• Potential Leads:

  • The assistant discusses the possibility of re-examining DNA evidence, though the lack of the knife poses a significant challenge.

Alternative Suspect: Alan Redden

As the investigation progresses, attention shifts to Alan Redden, a registered offender whose history may align with aspects of the case.

• Connection to the Case:

  • Justin mentions Redden’s background, suggesting potential links but acknowledges no direct conversations or interactions regarding the case.

• Challenges:

  • Limited interaction makes it difficult to substantiate Redden’s involvement without concrete evidence.

Personal Reflections and Unanswered Questions

• Justin’s Emotional Burden:

  • Throughout the episode, Justin grapples with guilt and loss, sharing personal dreams and memories that keep Jennifer’s presence alive in his life.

• Sarah’s Investigative Challenges:

  • Sarah Kaelin expresses frustration with the interference of rumors and distorted memories that complicate the pursuit of truth.

• Lingering Doubts:

  • Despite suspects being suggested, Sarah remains cautious about drawing definitive conclusions without irrefutable evidence: "As a behaviorist, when I'm looking at a 20 year old suspect without a history of this kind of violence, I need a firm motive."

Concluding Thoughts and Future Directions

• Unresolved Evidence:

  • The missing knife remains a pivotal gap in the investigation, potentially holding the key to identifying the true perpetrator.

• Ongoing Investigation:

  • Sarah commits to pursuing every lead, including looking into other individuals like Alan Redden, and emphasizes the necessity of scientific analysis to unravel the mystery.

• Hope for Justice:

  • Both Sarah and Justin harbor hopes that continued diligence will eventually uncover the truth, bringing closure to a case that has haunted the community for decades.

Notable Quotes

• [03:38] Justin Judd: "We kinda pretty much grew up together as far as, you know, from 16 to 20."

• [05:39] Justin Judd: "Looking back, you know, when I was 20 years old... I didn't protect her. And those words have haunted me for a long time."

• [07:57] Justin Judd: "Even being as young as I was, I wasn't a big fan of that because I really felt like it was putting the person, it was making it too much of a whodunit."

• [15:53] Justin Judd: "He had stopped by and Jennifer's car was there. Nobody was there."

• [23:27] Justin Judd: "I can remember the KBI telling me there's a 99.9% chance that this one person did it."

• [27:50] Justin Judd: "From what I gather, his Emma was raped. And I really feel like he would have probably raped her if it was him."

Final Thoughts

Episode 5: "99% Certain" deepens the exploration of Jennifer Judd’s untimely death by examining the intricate web of relationships, conflicting evidence, and persistent suspicions surrounding the case. Through heartfelt interviews and meticulous analysis, Sarah Kaelin and Justin Judd strive to peel back the layers of mystery, seeking answers that have eluded resolution for over three decades. As the investigation continues, listeners are left pondering the elusive nature of truth and justice in the face of enduring uncertainty.