The News Anchor Who Vanished: The Chilling Unsolved Disappearance of Jodi Huisentruit
Nearly 30 years after she disappeared while on her way to work in June 1995, intrigue and questions remain as to what happened to the 27-year-old TV news anchor
Around 4 a.m. on the morning of June 27, 1995, 27-year-old television news anchor Jodi Huisentruit received a call from her producer, who was inquiring why Huisentruit was not at work. Jodi quickly apologized and explained that she had overslept but was on her way and would be at the station shortly.
No one could have known that this would be the last time anyone ever heard from Jodi.
Life and Career
Born in 1968 in Long Prairie, Minnesota, Huisentruit excelled both academically and athletically. She was a gifted golfer, winning two state championships with her high school team in 1985 and 1986.
She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from St. Cloud State University. Shortly after graduation, Jodi began her career in broadcasting at a CBS affiliate in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, before returning to Minnesota for a brief stint with KSAX in Alexandria.
Huisentruit then moved back to Iowa to take a news anchor position with CBS affiliate KIMT in Mason City. It was while working for KIMT that Jodi would disappear on that June morning in 1995.
Disappearance
When Jodi failed to show up for work at KIMT as expected, her coworkers became concerned and decided to contact the Mason City Police Department.
Around 7 a.m. police officers were sent to her apartment complex, where they found her red Mazda Miata parked in its spot. Close by, officers found keys, a hairdryer, and a pair of red high heels shoes strewn about, indicating a struggle.
After an initial canvas of the complex, police learned that some neighbors reported hearing screams in the early morning hours. Additionally, a nearby neighbor of Jodi recalled seeing a white Ford van idling in the complex parking lot.
Authorities in Mason City searched Jodi's apartment for any leads. Investigators immediately faced challenges due to the lack of forensic evidence or witnesses.
Despite the absence of clues at the scene, investigators believed that foul play had occurred due to the signs of a struggle as well as the accounts of Jodi’s neighbors.
When the media broadcast the details of Jodi’s case, the public became increasingly intrigued by her story, making her case one of the most talked-about missing person investigations at the time.
Although thorough searches were conducted in nearby lakes and forests, little progress was made in the days and weeks after she vanished.
Huisentruit’s family sought the services of private investigators in Minnesota and Iowa. In an effort to bring more attention to Jodi’s case and hopefully generate some leads, the investigators appeared on the television programs America’s Most Wanted and Unsolved Mysteries.
Leads and Potential Suspects
During investigations of missing persons, authorities commonly concentrate on people with ties to the person missing. Jodi Huisentruit’s disappearance was no different.
John Vansice, a friend of Jodi's and one of the last people to have seen her before her disappearance, emerged as a significant person of interest early in the investigation.
Vansice mentioned that Jodi had come over to his residence on the evening before her disappearance to watch a video recording from a recent birthday celebration he had hosted for her.
Investigators looked closely into Vansice, going as far as having him undergo several polygraph tests to probe his involvement in the case, but found no concrete evidence connecting him to Jodi’s disappearance.
Vansice has consistently maintained his innocence and has never been charged in relation to the case.
Theories began circulating about the disappearance of Jodi Huisentruit due to speculation by the media and a lack of concrete evidence surrounding her disappearance.
The prevailing theory suggests that Jodi was abducted while leaving her apartment that morning. The items strewn about near her car suggest that she was caught off guard and subdued without a chance to defend herself. Investigators agree that this scenario seems likely.
There are also theories circulating that imply Jodi may have known her abductor. Again, the name John Vansice arises.
However, authorities have thoroughly investigated Vansice and have found no evidence of any wrongdoing or involvement in Huisentriut’s disappearance.
Conversely, some theories suggest that a random act of violence by a stranger in the area could explain Jodi’s disappearance. Investigators also believe this could be the case, but without further evidence, law enforcement has little to go on.
Jodi Huisentruit was declared legally dead in 2001.
Public Interest
Despite the absence of significant advancements in the investigation, public interest in Jodi’s story remains strong.
Numerous TV shows, true crime podcasts, and documentaries have explored her case. A team of journalists and investigators established FindJodi.com to maintain awareness about her case. The website actively collects tips and input from the community in collaboration with law enforcement to uncover new leads.
As of 2024, Jodi Huisentruits's disappearance remains a mystery. The Mason City Police Department is actively investigating the case, confirming their commitment to examining the case thoroughly and pursuing any fresh leads that arise.
There is currently a $50,000 reward being offered for information that leads investigators to Jodi’s remains.
Sources:
FindJodi.com. (n.d.). FindJodi.com: The Official Jodi Huisentruit Missing Person Website. Retrieved from https://www.findjodi.com
Burns, S. (2020). Unsolved mystery of Jodi Huisentruit's disappearance continues 25 years later. ABC News. Retrieved from https://abcnews.go.com
Birkey, A. (2022). Jodi Huisentruit: The 25-year mystery. MPR News. Retrieved from Mason City Police Department. (2023). Press release on Jodi Huisentruit case. Retrieved from https://masoncitypolice.gov