5 Shocking Facts About Keith Hunter Jesperson, The 'Happy Face Killer'—Including His True Height

The true crime world is constantly re-examining the cases of notorious serial killers, and in recent years, the story of Keith Hunter Jesperson, infamously known as the ‘Happy Face Killer,’ has surged back into the public consciousness, driven by new documentaries and the powerful accounts of his daughter. As of December 2025, the fascination surrounding Jesperson continues, especially concerning the physical details that belie his monstrous crimes, such as his surprisingly average stature.

The ‘Happy Face Killer’ earned his moniker by signing letters to the media and authorities with a crudely drawn smiley face, a chilling act of defiance and a macabre signature that haunted the Pacific Northwest and beyond in the early 1990s. While his crimes spanned multiple states, the detail that often surprises those learning about the case is his physical presence—specifically, his height—which contrasts sharply with the terrifying scope of his violence.

Keith Hunter Jesperson: A Brief Biography and Profile

Keith Hunter Jesperson is one of the most prolific serial killers in modern American history, though he operated largely under the radar for years due to his transient profession as a long-haul truck driver. His life and crimes are a stark reminder of the hidden dangers that can exist in plain sight.

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• Full Name: Keith Hunter Jesperson
• Nickname: The Happy Face Killer
• Date of Birth: April 6, 1955
• Place of Birth: Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada
• Nationality: Canadian-American
• Occupation: Long-Haul Truck Driver
• Confirmed Victims: At least eight women (he claimed to have killed as many as 160)
• Modus Operandi: Targeted women, often transient or sex workers, across multiple states while on his trucking routes.
• Signature: Drawing a smiley face on letters sent to the media and police.
• Current Status: Serving multiple life sentences in the Oregon State Penitentiary.
• Notable Family: Melissa Moore (Daughter, true crime podcaster and author).

The Truth Behind the Happy Face Killer's Height

One of the most persistent questions in true crime circles when discussing Keith Hunter Jesperson is about his physical appearance, especially his size. Serial killers are often mythologized as towering, imposing figures, but Jesperson's reality is far more grounded and, perhaps, more unsettling because of its normalcy.

The official records and biographical information confirm that Keith Hunter Jesperson stands at 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall. This height is considered average, or even slightly below average, for a male in the United States, which is a detail that often surprises those who envision a physically dominant predator.

His relatively modest height, combined with a weight that fluctuated between 140 and 150 pounds, allowed him to blend into the background as a typical truck driver. This ability to appear unremarkable was a key factor in his ability to evade detection for so long as he traversed the country on his long-haul routes. His average stature became a psychological camouflage, allowing him to approach victims without immediately raising alarm bells that a physically imposing figure might have.

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This detail is crucial for understanding the psychology of the 'Happy Face Killer.' His lack of imposing physical size may have contributed to his need for control and the shocking brutality of his crimes, which served as his way of exerting power over his victims and, later, over the media through his taunting letters.

5 Disturbing Facts That Defined Jesperson's Reign of Terror

The case of the 'Happy Face Killer' is filled with chilling details that go far beyond his physical description. His crimes spanned five years and six states, leaving a trail of terror that authorities struggled to connect due to the interstate nature of his work.

1. The Truck Driver Lifestyle Was His Perfect Hunting Ground

Jesperson’s job as a long-haul truck driver gave him unprecedented access and anonymity across state lines. He utilized this freedom to target vulnerable women in states including California, Washington, Oregon, Florida, Nebraska, and Wyoming. The transient nature of his victims and the geographical distance between the murders made it incredibly difficult for local law enforcement agencies to connect the cases, allowing him to continue his spree undetected for years.

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2. The Iconic 'Happy Face' Was a Taunt

The famous nickname was born out of a macabre attempt to take credit for a murder. After killing his first confirmed victim, Taunja Bennett, in 1990, Jesperson became enraged when another woman, Laverne Pavlinac, falsely confessed to the crime with her boyfriend. To prove his involvement, he began sending letters to the media and authorities, signing them with a distinctive, hand-drawn smiley face—the 'Happy Face'—to taunt police and claim his "work."

3. He Claimed Over 100 Victims, But Only Eight Are Confirmed

Like many serial killers, Jesperson vastly inflated his victim count, claiming he had killed as many as 160 people. However, investigators have only been able to confirm eight murders. This discrepancy highlights the psychological element of serial killers, who often exaggerate their body count to inflate their own importance and notoriety. The confirmed victims were women he encountered on his routes, including Taunja Bennett, Cynthia Rose Glass, Julie Ann Winningham, and Angela Subrise.

4. His Daughter’s Activism Brought New Attention to the Case

One of the most compelling modern aspects of the case is the story of his daughter, Melissa Moore. She grew up unaware of her father's double life until his arrest. Today, Melissa is a vocal advocate and true crime personality, using her experience to help other families of victims and offenders. Her popular podcast and book, both titled *Happy Face*, have brought a fresh, deeply personal perspective to the case, ensuring Jesperson’s crimes remain a relevant topic in the true crime community.

5. Cold Cases Continue to Be Solved Decades Later

Due to the complexity of his crimes and the unidentified nature of some victims, law enforcement continues to work on Jesperson-related cold cases. For example, in recent years, investigators have made progress in identifying his last remaining unidentified victim, a woman found in 1994, using advanced DNA and genealogical techniques. These ongoing efforts underscore the lasting impact of the 'Happy Face Killer' and the dedication of cold case units to bringing closure to all his victims' families.