Jodi Huisentruit
Missing Television News Anchor
CLASSIFICATION: Missing Person
LOCATION
Mason City, Iowa
TIME PERIOD
June 27, 1995
VICTIMS
1 confirmed
On June 27, 1995, Jodi Huisentruit, a television news anchor for KIMT in Mason City, Iowa, disappeared under suspicious circumstances after reporting that she was running late for work. Evidence of a struggle was found outside her apartment, leading investigators to believe she was abducted; however, extensive investigations have failed to yield any leads. Huisentruit was declared legally dead in 2001, and her case remains unsolved.
Theories surrounding Jodi Huisentruit's disappearance suggest that she was abducted, as evidence of a struggle was found outside her apartment. Despite extensive investigations, no substantial leads have emerged, leading to speculation about potential suspects and motives. The case remains unsolved, fueling ongoing community discussions and theories about what may have happened to her.
The Mysterious Disappearance of Jodi Huisentruit
Overview
Jodi Sue Huisentruit, born on June 5, 1968, in Long Prairie, Minnesota, was a promising American television news anchor for KIMT in Mason City, Iowa. In the early morning hours of June 27, 1995, Huisentruit vanished without a trace, shortly after confiding in a colleague that she had overslept and was running late for work. The unsettling signs of a struggle outside her apartment hinted at a sinister fate, leading authorities to suspect abduction. Despite extensive investigations, her disappearance remains a haunting mystery, and she was declared legally dead in 2001.
Quick Facts
- Born: June 5, 1968
- Disappeared: June 27, 1995 (aged 27)
- Location of Disappearance: Mason City, Iowa, U.S.
- Status: Missing for 30 years and 9 days; declared legally dead in May 2001
- Education: St. Cloud State University
- Occupation: Television news anchor
Early Life
Jodi Huisentruit grew up as the youngest daughter in the Huisentruit family, born to Maurice Nicholas Huisentruit (1920–1982) and Imogene L. "Jane" Huisentruit (née Anderson, 1923–2014). She exhibited a natural talent for golf, leading her high school team to victory in the state Class A tournament in 1985 and 1986. After graduating high school, she pursued her passion for communication at St. Cloud State University, earning a bachelor's degree in mass communications and speech communication in 1990. Her career began as a flight attendant with Northwest Airlines, but her true calling soon drew her to the world of broadcasting.
Jodi's broadcasting journey took her from KGAN, a CBS affiliate in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to KSAX, an ABC affiliate in Alexandria, Minnesota, before landing her a coveted position at KIMT in Mason City, Iowa.
Disappearance
Just a day before her fateful disappearance, Huisentruit participated in a local golf tournament. Later, she visited John Vansice, a Mason City resident, to watch a homemade video celebrating her birthday.
On the morning of June 27, 1995, at approximately 4:00 a.m., KIMT producer Amy Kuns grew concerned when Huisentruit failed to show up for her scheduled shift. A call to Jodi's apartment revealed her voice on the line, explaining she had overslept. However, as the hours passed and she still hadn’t arrived at work, Kuns stepped in to host the morning show, Daybreak.
By 7:00 a.m., KIMT staff were alarmed enough to contact the Mason City police. What they found upon arrival at Huisentruit's apartment was chilling. A red Mazda Miata, which she intended to purchase, sat in the parking lot, surrounded by evidence of a struggle. Her personal belongings—including a bent car key and her striking red high heels—were scattered nearby. Disturbingly, police recovered an unidentified palm print from the vehicle, but it would prove to be just one of many dead ends.
Investigation
As investigators delved deeper into the case, they interviewed several neighbors who reported hearing screams around the time Huisentruit would have typically been leaving for work. One neighbor even noted a white Ford Econoline van idling in the parking lot at the same time.
In September 1995, the Huisentruit family turned to private investigators from McCarthy & Associates Investigative Services, Inc. (MAIS) in Minneapolis. Their involvement led to collaborations with Omaha-based investigator Doug Jasa, who appeared on national television shows such as America’s Most Wanted and Unsolved Mysteries.
In a bid to gather more leads, the family and investigators traveled to Los Angeles in November 1995 to consult with three prominent psychics—a move that served as the pilot for the Psychic Detectives television show. Despite generating interest and several leads, none led to solid evidence or a suspect.
By May 1996, approximately 100 volunteers searched areas in Cerro Gordo County, marking suspicious spots with flags, but law enforcement found no promising evidence. Over the years, police and private investigators conducted more than 1,000 interviews, yet the case remained unsolved. Jodi Huisentruit was officially declared legally dead in May 2001.
Developments Since 2000
In 2003, Minnesota journalists Josh Benson and Gary Peterson launched FindJodi.com, a website dedicated to keeping Jodi's story alive and serving as a hub for tips. Despite the passage of time, new cases with similarities to Huisentruit’s disappearance frequently reignite speculation, but no suspects have emerged, and all remains discovered have belonged to other individuals.
The tenth anniversary of her disappearance in 2005 brought renewed media attention, with various outlets revisiting the case. In June 2008, photocopies of Jodi's personal journal were anonymously mailed to a local newspaper, raising eyebrows. The Mason City Globe Gazette received the mysterious envelope, which bore no return address but had a postmark from Waterloo. It was later revealed that the sender was the wife of a former Mason City police chief, who had taken a copy of the journal home. The motive behind the mail remains unexplained.
In May 2015, all 100 members of the Iowa House of Representatives signed a letter asking Mason City to commemorate June 27 as Jodi Huisentruit Day, honoring her memory and all victims of unsolved cases; however, this request was ultimately declined.
In December 2016, former state representative John Kooiker suggested a possible cover-up by Mason City officials in an opinion piece.
In March 2017, police executed a search warrant against John Vansice, a person of interest, seeking GPS data from his vehicles. The following year, 48 Hours aired an episode featuring Huisentruit's case, presenting never-before-seen footage of Vansice, who passed away in December 2024.
Private investigator Steve Ridge took up the case in 2019, continuing to pursue leads as of 2020. In that same year, FindJodi.com launched a podcast to engage a new audience and generate fresh insights into the case.
In 2022, ABC’s 20/20 aired a special titled "Gone at Dawn," the third time the program had featured Huisentruit's story. The case saw another surge of interest in 2023 when Ridge offered a $25,000 reward for information leading to the recovery of Jodi's remains, doubling the total reward to $50,000. He stated that the reward did not require an arrest or conviction—only the return of Jodi's remains.
In October 2024, Mason City police searched a site in rural Winsted, Minnesota, following an anonymous tip. Reports in late 2024 indicated that Jodi had a new boyfriend at the time of her disappearance, with Ridge speculating that jealousy might have played a role in her abduction.
Sources
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No Evidence Submitted
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Jodi Disappears
Jodi Huisentruit, a news anchor, disappears after failing to arrive at work. Signs of a struggle are found outside her apartment.
Private Investigators Hired
The Huisentruit family hires private investigators to assist in the search for Jodi, leading to national media appearances.
Community Search Efforts
Approximately 100 volunteers conduct a search in Cerro Gordo County, marking suspicious areas for law enforcement to investigate.
Declared Legally Dead
Jodi Huisentruit is declared legally dead by a court, marking a significant milestone in the unresolved case.
FindJodi.com Launched
A website is created to keep Jodi's case in the public eye and to collect tips related to her disappearance.
Search Warrant Executed
A search warrant is executed against John Vansice, a person of interest, seeking GPS data from his vehicles.
Case Still Active
Mason City police and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation confirm that Huisentruit's case remains active and under investigation.
Reward Doubled
The reward for information leading to Jodi Huisentruit's remains is doubled to $50,000, aiming to generate new leads.
Search Conducted
Mason City police search a site in rural Minnesota after receiving an anonymous tip related to Huisentruit's disappearance.
On June 27, 1995, Jodi Huisentruit, a television news anchor for KIMT in Mason City, Iowa, disappeared under suspicious circumstances after reporting that she was running late for work. Evidence of a struggle was found outside her apartment, leading investigators to believe she was abducted; however, extensive investigations have failed to yield any leads. Huisentruit was declared legally dead in 2001, and her case remains unsolved.
Theories surrounding Jodi Huisentruit's disappearance suggest that she was abducted, as evidence of a struggle was found outside her apartment. Despite extensive investigations, no substantial leads have emerged, leading to speculation about potential suspects and motives. The case remains unsolved, fueling ongoing community discussions and theories about what may have happened to her.
The Mysterious Disappearance of Jodi Huisentruit
Overview
Jodi Sue Huisentruit, born on June 5, 1968, in Long Prairie, Minnesota, was a promising American television news anchor for KIMT in Mason City, Iowa. In the early morning hours of June 27, 1995, Huisentruit vanished without a trace, shortly after confiding in a colleague that she had overslept and was running late for work. The unsettling signs of a struggle outside her apartment hinted at a sinister fate, leading authorities to suspect abduction. Despite extensive investigations, her disappearance remains a haunting mystery, and she was declared legally dead in 2001.
Quick Facts
- Born: June 5, 1968
- Disappeared: June 27, 1995 (aged 27)
- Location of Disappearance: Mason City, Iowa, U.S.
- Status: Missing for 30 years and 9 days; declared legally dead in May 2001
- Education: St. Cloud State University
- Occupation: Television news anchor
Early Life
Jodi Huisentruit grew up as the youngest daughter in the Huisentruit family, born to Maurice Nicholas Huisentruit (1920–1982) and Imogene L. "Jane" Huisentruit (née Anderson, 1923–2014). She exhibited a natural talent for golf, leading her high school team to victory in the state Class A tournament in 1985 and 1986. After graduating high school, she pursued her passion for communication at St. Cloud State University, earning a bachelor's degree in mass communications and speech communication in 1990. Her career began as a flight attendant with Northwest Airlines, but her true calling soon drew her to the world of broadcasting.
Jodi's broadcasting journey took her from KGAN, a CBS affiliate in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to KSAX, an ABC affiliate in Alexandria, Minnesota, before landing her a coveted position at KIMT in Mason City, Iowa.
Disappearance
Just a day before her fateful disappearance, Huisentruit participated in a local golf tournament. Later, she visited John Vansice, a Mason City resident, to watch a homemade video celebrating her birthday.
On the morning of June 27, 1995, at approximately 4:00 a.m., KIMT producer Amy Kuns grew concerned when Huisentruit failed to show up for her scheduled shift. A call to Jodi's apartment revealed her voice on the line, explaining she had overslept. However, as the hours passed and she still hadn’t arrived at work, Kuns stepped in to host the morning show, Daybreak.
By 7:00 a.m., KIMT staff were alarmed enough to contact the Mason City police. What they found upon arrival at Huisentruit's apartment was chilling. A red Mazda Miata, which she intended to purchase, sat in the parking lot, surrounded by evidence of a struggle. Her personal belongings—including a bent car key and her striking red high heels—were scattered nearby. Disturbingly, police recovered an unidentified palm print from the vehicle, but it would prove to be just one of many dead ends.
Investigation
As investigators delved deeper into the case, they interviewed several neighbors who reported hearing screams around the time Huisentruit would have typically been leaving for work. One neighbor even noted a white Ford Econoline van idling in the parking lot at the same time.
In September 1995, the Huisentruit family turned to private investigators from McCarthy & Associates Investigative Services, Inc. (MAIS) in Minneapolis. Their involvement led to collaborations with Omaha-based investigator Doug Jasa, who appeared on national television shows such as America’s Most Wanted and Unsolved Mysteries.
In a bid to gather more leads, the family and investigators traveled to Los Angeles in November 1995 to consult with three prominent psychics—a move that served as the pilot for the Psychic Detectives television show. Despite generating interest and several leads, none led to solid evidence or a suspect.
By May 1996, approximately 100 volunteers searched areas in Cerro Gordo County, marking suspicious spots with flags, but law enforcement found no promising evidence. Over the years, police and private investigators conducted more than 1,000 interviews, yet the case remained unsolved. Jodi Huisentruit was officially declared legally dead in May 2001.
Developments Since 2000
In 2003, Minnesota journalists Josh Benson and Gary Peterson launched FindJodi.com, a website dedicated to keeping Jodi's story alive and serving as a hub for tips. Despite the passage of time, new cases with similarities to Huisentruit’s disappearance frequently reignite speculation, but no suspects have emerged, and all remains discovered have belonged to other individuals.
The tenth anniversary of her disappearance in 2005 brought renewed media attention, with various outlets revisiting the case. In June 2008, photocopies of Jodi's personal journal were anonymously mailed to a local newspaper, raising eyebrows. The Mason City Globe Gazette received the mysterious envelope, which bore no return address but had a postmark from Waterloo. It was later revealed that the sender was the wife of a former Mason City police chief, who had taken a copy of the journal home. The motive behind the mail remains unexplained.
In May 2015, all 100 members of the Iowa House of Representatives signed a letter asking Mason City to commemorate June 27 as Jodi Huisentruit Day, honoring her memory and all victims of unsolved cases; however, this request was ultimately declined.
In December 2016, former state representative John Kooiker suggested a possible cover-up by Mason City officials in an opinion piece.
In March 2017, police executed a search warrant against John Vansice, a person of interest, seeking GPS data from his vehicles. The following year, 48 Hours aired an episode featuring Huisentruit's case, presenting never-before-seen footage of Vansice, who passed away in December 2024.
Private investigator Steve Ridge took up the case in 2019, continuing to pursue leads as of 2020. In that same year, FindJodi.com launched a podcast to engage a new audience and generate fresh insights into the case.
In 2022, ABC’s 20/20 aired a special titled "Gone at Dawn," the third time the program had featured Huisentruit's story. The case saw another surge of interest in 2023 when Ridge offered a $25,000 reward for information leading to the recovery of Jodi's remains, doubling the total reward to $50,000. He stated that the reward did not require an arrest or conviction—only the return of Jodi's remains.
In October 2024, Mason City police searched a site in rural Winsted, Minnesota, following an anonymous tip. Reports in late 2024 indicated that Jodi had a new boyfriend at the time of her disappearance, with Ridge speculating that jealousy might have played a role in her abduction.
Sources
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
Jodi Disappears
Jodi Huisentruit, a news anchor, disappears after failing to arrive at work. Signs of a struggle are found outside her apartment.
Private Investigators Hired
The Huisentruit family hires private investigators to assist in the search for Jodi, leading to national media appearances.
Community Search Efforts
Approximately 100 volunteers conduct a search in Cerro Gordo County, marking suspicious areas for law enforcement to investigate.
Declared Legally Dead
Jodi Huisentruit is declared legally dead by a court, marking a significant milestone in the unresolved case.
FindJodi.com Launched
A website is created to keep Jodi's case in the public eye and to collect tips related to her disappearance.
Search Warrant Executed
A search warrant is executed against John Vansice, a person of interest, seeking GPS data from his vehicles.
Case Still Active
Mason City police and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation confirm that Huisentruit's case remains active and under investigation.
Reward Doubled
The reward for information leading to Jodi Huisentruit's remains is doubled to $50,000, aiming to generate new leads.
Search Conducted
Mason City police search a site in rural Minnesota after receiving an anonymous tip related to Huisentruit's disappearance.