8 Shocking Facts And The New TV Drama About The Happy Face Killer, Keith Hunter Jesperson

Keith Hunter Jesperson, the notorious serial killer known as the "Happy Face Killer," remains one of the most chilling figures in American true crime history. As of December 2025, Jesperson is currently incarcerated, serving multiple life sentences for the brutal murders of at least eight women across the United States. This article provides the most current, up-to-date information on his crimes, his victims, his current status, and the recent media frenzy surrounding his story, including the major 2025 television drama.

The moniker "Happy Face Killer" originated from the chillingly casual smiley face he drew on anonymous notes sent to the media and authorities, taunting them and claiming responsibility for the murders that spanned the early 1990s. His crimes, committed while working as a long-haul truck driver, allowed him to traverse state lines, leaving a trail of terror from Oregon to Florida and making him an elusive target for law enforcement for years.

Keith Hunter Jesperson: A Comprehensive Biography and Profile

Keith Hunter Jesperson, born on April 6, 1955, is a Canadian-American serial killer and rapist who confessed to the murders of eight women between 1990 and 1994. His life before his arrest was marked by a troubled marriage and a seemingly ordinary career that provided the perfect cover for his horrific crimes.

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• Full Name: Keith Hunter Jesperson
• Nickname: The Happy Face Killer
• Date of Birth: April 6, 1955
• Place of Birth: Canada (Canadian-born American)
• Known Victims: At least eight women (see full list below)
• Time Period of Murders: 1990–1994
• Modus Operandi: Stalking and murdering women, often in rest stops or truck stops, while working as a long-haul truck driver. He would then dump the bodies across state lines.
• Signature: Anonymous letters sent to police and media with a hand-drawn smiley face.
• Current Status: Serving multiple life sentences in Oregon State Penitentiary.
• Family: Divorced from his wife, his daughter is Melissa Moore, a prominent true crime advocate and author.

Jesperson's confession came after an innocent couple, Laverne and Judy Stensrud, were wrongly charged for the murder of his first known victim, Taunja Bennett. His twisted desire for recognition, fueled by the media attention on the Stensruds, ultimately led him to contact a Portland prosecutor, revealing his true identity as the "Happy Face Killer."

The Victims: A Multi-State Trail of Terror

The true scope of Jesperson's crimes is difficult to definitively quantify, as he has claimed to have killed as many as 160 people, though authorities have only confirmed eight murders. His career as a cross-country truck driver allowed him to choose victims in various states, making the investigation a complex, multi-jurisdictional effort. The confirmed victims span states including Oregon, Washington, California, Wyoming, Nebraska, and Florida.

The eight known victims are:

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• Taunja Bennett (January 1990): Murdered in Portland, Oregon. This was Jesperson's first known victim.
• Cynthia Rose Garcia (September 1992): Found in California.
• Laurie Ann Anneking (October 1992): Murdered in Oregon.
• Unnamed Victim (1992): Known as the "Nameless Victim" or "Santa Barbara Jane Doe." As of late 2025, authorities, including the Riverside County Regional Cold Case Homicide Team, are still actively seeking to identify this woman, who had ties to Santa Barbara.
• Angela Subrise (March 1993): Murdered in Washington. Jesperson received a life sentence for this crime.
• Julie Winningham (November 1993): Found in Oregon.
• Unnamed Victim (1994): Found in Florida.
• Unnamed Victim (1994): Found in Washington.

The ongoing effort to identify the "Nameless Victim" highlights the lasting impact of Jesperson's actions and the dedication of cold case teams to bring closure to the victims' families decades later.

The New True Crime Drama: 'Happy Face' (2025)

The story of the Happy Face Killer received a massive surge in public and media attention with the release of the true crime drama series, *Happy Face*, which premiered on Paramount+ on March 20, 2025. This series offered a fresh, unique perspective on the serial killer narrative by focusing not on the killer himself, but on the profound trauma and life-long struggle of his daughter, Melissa Moore.

A Daughter's Perspective: Melissa Moore's Story

The *Happy Face* television series is directly based on the life and work of Melissa Moore, who spent her life grappling with the horrific realization that her own father was a monster. Moore has since become a prominent advocate for victims and a true crime podcaster, using her unique experience to help others navigate the aftermath of familial violence. The show explores the psychological toll of her father's secret life and her journey to reclaim her identity from his shadow.

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The high-profile casting brought significant attention to the show:

• Dennis Quaid starred as Keith Hunter Jesperson.
• Annaleigh Ashford played his daughter, Melissa Moore.

While the series received initial buzz, it was ultimately canceled after its first season in July 2025. Despite its short run, the drama renewed public interest in the case, prompting new discussions about the psychological profile of the serial killer, the role of long-haul trucking in his ability to evade capture, and the lasting impact on his family.

Keith Jesperson's Current Status and Recent Media Contact

Keith Hunter Jesperson is currently serving his sentences at the Oregon State Penitentiary. He is a high-profile inmate who occasionally makes headlines due to his continued attempts to communicate with the outside world, often seeking attention or commenting on other high-profile cases.

In a notable recent development, Jesperson spoke from prison to a NewsNation correspondent, offering his own commentary on the Gilgo Beach murders and urging the suspect in that case to confess. This act, viewed by many as a self-serving attempt to remain relevant, underscores his complex psychological need for notoriety, which was the same motivation that led him to write the original "Happy Face" notes.

The case of the Happy Face Killer continues to be a subject of intense study for criminologists and a source of fascination for the public. From the original investigations in the 1990s to the recent 2025 TV adaptation, Jesperson's story is a dark reminder of the hidden lives of serial killers and the enduring quest for justice for the victims he left behind. The efforts of cold case teams and the bravery of his daughter, Melissa Moore, ensure that the focus remains on the lives lost and the pursuit of final closure.