The story of «The Smiling Killer» — a serial killer from the 90s: details, movies, books, series
1 february 2025 в 22:37
«The Smiling Killer» was one of the most disturbing serial killers of the 90s. Although he was arrested in 1995 and is serving a life sentence, the killer’s story has intrigued true crime fans for many years. After his arrest in 1995, he claimed responsibility for 160 murders, but only eight were officially linked to the Smiling Killer.
A wide range of podcasts have covered the Smiling Killer’s story. Movies inspired by him and his murders have also been made. His daughter Melissa Moore also wrote a book called «Shattered Silence» about her experience growing up with a serial killer as a father. Melissa’s story plays a role in the upcoming Paramount+ series «The Smiling Killer». Before the show airs on the streaming service, learn the true story behind the Smiling Killer.
The Smiling Killer was linked to eight murders committed between 1990 and 1995. He strangled most of his victims, some of whom were sex workers. It took many years to identify some of the victims, and the last one was identified in October 2023 as Suzanne Kjellenberg, according to CNN. The killer was arrested in 1995 after the murder of Julie Winningham. He was sentenced to three life terms, and in January 2010, he received a fourth.
The killer was given his infamous nickname shortly after his first murder of Taunja Bennett in 1990. After news of Bennett’s death, Laverne Pavlinak falsely confessed to the murder, claiming that her then-boyfriend John Sosnovski was responsible, according to People. She claimed that her relationship was abusive and saw the confession as a chance to end it. After her confession, both she and her boyfriend were convicted and spent four years in prison for the murder.
In 1994, the killer wrote a letter that earned him his nickname. It was a confession letter to The Oregonian newspaper, where he detailed five murders, including Bennett’s. He signed the letter with a drawing of a smiling face, thus earning the nickname, according to The New York Times.
After his arrest, the identity of the Smiling Killer was revealed to be Keith Hunter Jesperson. He was married to Rose Hucke from 1975 to 1990 when they divorced. They had four children, including their eldest daughter Melissa, who was 10 when they separated. Jesperson worked as a truck driver, and during one of his trips, Rose left with the children, suspecting he was unfaithful.
The upcoming Paramount+ series will be based on the iHeartMedia podcast «The Smiling Killer», - as well as Moore’s book and her own experience. According to Variety, AnnaLynne McCord will play Melissa, and Dennis Quaid will play Keith. The premiere is expected in 2025
A wide range of podcasts have covered the Smiling Killer’s story. Movies inspired by him and his murders have also been made. His daughter Melissa Moore also wrote a book called «Shattered Silence» about her experience growing up with a serial killer as a father. Melissa’s story plays a role in the upcoming Paramount+ series «The Smiling Killer». Before the show airs on the streaming service, learn the true story behind the Smiling Killer.
The Smiling Killer was linked to eight murders committed between 1990 and 1995. He strangled most of his victims, some of whom were sex workers. It took many years to identify some of the victims, and the last one was identified in October 2023 as Suzanne Kjellenberg, according to CNN. The killer was arrested in 1995 after the murder of Julie Winningham. He was sentenced to three life terms, and in January 2010, he received a fourth.
The killer was given his infamous nickname shortly after his first murder of Taunja Bennett in 1990. After news of Bennett’s death, Laverne Pavlinak falsely confessed to the murder, claiming that her then-boyfriend John Sosnovski was responsible, according to People. She claimed that her relationship was abusive and saw the confession as a chance to end it. After her confession, both she and her boyfriend were convicted and spent four years in prison for the murder.
In 1994, the killer wrote a letter that earned him his nickname. It was a confession letter to The Oregonian newspaper, where he detailed five murders, including Bennett’s. He signed the letter with a drawing of a smiling face, thus earning the nickname, according to The New York Times.
After his arrest, the identity of the Smiling Killer was revealed to be Keith Hunter Jesperson. He was married to Rose Hucke from 1975 to 1990 when they divorced. They had four children, including their eldest daughter Melissa, who was 10 when they separated. Jesperson worked as a truck driver, and during one of his trips, Rose left with the children, suspecting he was unfaithful.
The upcoming Paramount+ series will be based on the iHeartMedia podcast «The Smiling Killer», - as well as Moore’s book and her own experience. According to Variety, AnnaLynne McCord will play Melissa, and Dennis Quaid will play Keith. The premiere is expected in 2025
© Kolganov Andrey
