', He urged people in the know to get in touch and said: 'If you know where Jennifer is and the information is real name your price, go ahead. Joyce said shell never give up hope that her daughter is out there somewhere, alive, needing to be rescued. The next morning, her boyfriend grew concerned after she didnt call him or send him any text messages. Is there a chance they encountered one another in the days, weeks, or months leading up to Kesses disappearance? I wont stop looking for her, Logan said. Jennifer Kesse was first reported missing on January 24, 2006. The hardest part is being in limbo. When they reached their 20s, their bond grew and their social circles merged. We kept in touch and it just blossomed from there.. We knew right away that something was wrong, Drew Kesse told Dateline. Jennifer's car was missing, and her condo looked, according to family members, as if Jennifer had gotten ready and left for work. Jennifer Kesse was last seen leaving work in Orlando, Florida on January 23, 2006. They still do.. They told us it was an active case. ORLANDO, Fla. It has been 15 years since the disappearance of Jennifer Kesse and there are still few clues about what happened to her on the day she vanished. At the time she vanished, she was living in Orlando. Police attempted to interview many of the 100 or so construction workers but turned up no leads. Then she disappeared one day in January of 2006 and has never been found. Her case is still open, and she has not been seen or heard from since 2006. 16:19 EST 25 Jan 2021. Join MU Plus+ and get exclusive shows and extensions & much more! This is going to be a long post. That baby is now 14 years old. At that point, Chino was serving an unrelated sentence for statutory rape. The Orlando Police Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Dateline. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. She failed to call or text her boyfriend the following morning as was her usual routine. More Controversy on the Roswell Affair: An Alien Accident? That said, it's also possible she posed as a construction worker to have access to the building or find a temporary place to stay (as several of the workers were said to have been squatting in the building).Let me know what you think about this theory. Happenings before Jennifer disappeared. No one.". Her family has vowed to never give up their search to find her. How do you decide, as a parent, when the right time is to give up the search for your child? Joyce said. But I knew I had nothing to hide. Kesse had expressed discomfort and even fear about the construction workers and others in her building, so she likely wouldnt have opened her door to one of them. That was something she had only told her mother.. She was the oldest of two children, and is said to have been best friends with her little brother, Logan. Drew Kesse has been vocal about what they feel have been missteps by Orlando police in the investigation. Chino said he didn't know what happened to Kesse and passed a polygraph, according to CBS. One of Jenns friends found out she was pregnant just after Jenn vanished. The comments below have not been moderated, By The family went to their daughter's new condo and said it appeared 'normal' - clean and with everything in place. Drew and I are in our 60s. Her defense teams forensic psychologist believes she has personality disorders and delusional disorders and is not competent to stand trial. Jennifer had repeatedly told her family that many of the workers repeatedly sexually harassed and catcalled her. Jenns luggage from her trip was still in the front hall, untouched. Video surveillance showed an unidentified person parking the car and walking away from it. For more information, please see our It was January 24, 2006. She locked her door. Surveillance video captured someone driving her car . When they tried dialing her, they got her voicemail. Jennifer Kesses father, Drew Kesse, said: 'We have great hope that this year were going to know, maybe not exactly what happened to Jennifer but where we need to go and what we need to do', as reported by My Sun Coast. The hosts of the "Unconcluded" podcast are investigating leads in the case of missing Orlando woman Jennifer Kesse. Michelle Parker was 33 years old when she went missing in November of 2011. Theories abound as to what happened, with many suggesting she was killed by a male coworker whose advances she had spurned. No confirmed blood, fingerprints, images, or other proof that she was at or in Kesses apartment, complex, parking lot, or vehicle. Investigators also found surveillance video of Sybert dumping trash and a trash can in the Dumpster near the salon, and they searched the local landfill for evidence. 2. He had a meeting at 9 a.m., but when it was over, he tried to call Jenn again, this time to tell her about something that had happened in the meeting. By that evening, authorities had been contacted and her parents began distributing missing-person flyers with Jennifers photo. ORLANDO, Fla Editor's Note:Jennifer Kesse's case was featured last year onCBS News' "48 Hours,"which contributed to this report. Police found her car a few days later. Adam testified that he viewed an email between Kesse and Campos during which Campos reportedly was unhappy that she refused to date him. ORLANDO, Fla. - Tuesday marked 17 years since Jennifer Kesse disappeared in Orlando. Jenns father Drew told Dateline the footage proved to be frustrating because the camera was programmed to take pictures every three seconds and unfortunately, in each frame, the suspects face was obstructed by a gate post. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. Drew told Dateline that authorities from the Orange County Sheriffs Department and the Orlando Police Department arrived on the scene, but said they did not seem overly concerned because Jenn was an adult. She had complained of inappropriate remarks and catcalls from them, and it was also found that she had been approached by a manager where she worked, who she had turned away, but questioning of these potential suspects turned up no evidence of wrongdoing. It was not clear if the person was a man or a woman and no information came from the tape. She wanted assurance that I loved her. Jenns boyfriend, Rob, and Robs mother, drove up from Ft. Lauderdale as soon as he heard Jenn was missing. Kesse had expressed uncertainty about the safety of her apartment building before she went missing. 7. We hear you like all things creepy we do too. VIDEO: Jennifer Kesse: Investigation into Orlando womans disappearance turned over to FDLE, Jennifer Kesse: Investigation into Orlando womans disappearance turned over to FDLE, Reality star Honey Boo Boo inside speeding car involved in chase with deputies in Georgia, Saving Private Ryan actor Tom Sizemore dies after brain aneurysm at 61, SEE: Brightline reaches maximum speed for first time, Florida bill guts local governments power to protect tenants, Local woman who allegedly killed terminally ill husband at hospital out on bond, records show. I realize that this theory is probably a stretch, but I thought it was interesting enough to bring up. Her family says they are now getting new leads in her disappearance. Jenn stayed with me that night and decided to drive straight to work early the next morning.. Difficult then, and still difficult now, 14 years later., I talked to her on the phone for the last time that day, Logan said. They told detectives Jennifer had previously complained to them about building workers who made her uncomfortable. She has never been located. On January 23, 2006, Jennifer Kesse had just returned from a vacation with her boyfriend in the Virgin Islands. (Drew Kesse) ORLANDO, Fla. - Drew Kesse, whose daughter Jennifer Kesse has been missing since Jan. 24, 2006,. The family said they are excited about what now might be possible under FDLE. Two days later, her black Chevy Malibu was discovered outside a different condo building about a mile away. Police interviewed an ex-boyfriend of Jennifers who was openly distraught over their breakup, wanted to get back together again, and was reportedly upset that shed just vacationed with a new beau. Her family said it was completely out of character for Jennifer not to call if she was going to be late for work. Rob told Dateline he talked to Jenn multiple times a day, sometimes for hours at a time. The only evidence was surveillance footage obtained by Orlando Police that showed an unidentified person walking in the parking lot at the same time Jennifers car was left in the lot -- 12 p.m. on Tuesday, January 24, 2006. However, it is pretty clear that Kessler had some personality or psychological issues, and its possible she didnt need a logical motive to attack. Thats hell. The private investigator believes she may have been abducted by a construction worker. Unfortunately, the surveillance camera was not video but rather snapshots taken every three seconds. A private investigation. Her employer then alerted her family, who could not reach her at her home or on her cellphone. Her purse, keys, cell phone, and iPod, which family members said she always kept with her, were missing. Eventually, investigators come to believe that Kesse got ready and left for work as usual on the morning of January 24, locking her apartment door behind her, and was abducted as she walked to or got into her car. You never think something like this could ever happen to someone you love.. Shed last seen her daughter on July 4, 2004 in Butler, Pennsylvaniaeight years before reporting her missing. But after a thorough interrogation, police decided he had nothing to do with her disappearance. And I wont stop until someone is held accountable. I cant even imagine how horrific of a person you have to be to abduct someone or harm someone. There doesnt seem to be a clear motive in Kesses disappearance. But at first, I didnt think anything bad, like really bad, had happened to her. Copyright 2023 ClickOrlando.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. Jenns parents also stayed at the condo, for months, in an effort to make a statement that finding their daughter was the number one priority. Thomas is originally from Northeastern Pennsylvania and worked in Portland, Oregon before moving to Central Florida in August 2018. Their last trip together took them to the island of St. Croix in the Caribbean. By Its all me -- my family. Kesses family filed a lawsuit in 2018, asking the court to allow a private investigator to obtain the Orlando Police Departments records on the case. An upcoming episode of "48 Hours" on CBS will feature the disappearance of Jennifer Kesse. Nov 08, 2019 at 6:13 pm. It was odd that she hadnt called me back, Rob said. Investigator Torretta discovered, deep in the files, a tip from a woman who, in 2006, said she witnessed something strange at Lake Fischer in Orange County on the day of Jenns disappearance. Nothing seemed out of place, but Kesse, her purse, phone, and vehicle were missing. Sunday marked 15 years since she was last seen on Jan. 24, 2006. "That four-month agreement has turned into three years and ten months and the department is still incapable of fulfilling their end of the agreement. You dont., Its like Groundhog Day every day, yet, life moves on for everyone else, Joyce said. Then she disappeared one day in January of 2006 and has never been found. Jenn was a great sounding board, Rob said. Kesses last phone call was to her boyfriend on Jan. 23; she did not show up to work the next day. The Monday after getting back was Jan. 23, 2006. Shortly after she vanished, Kesse's car was discovered parked around a mile from her home. She Was Never Seen Again. On January 24, the day of Jennifers disappearance, Campos didnt show up for work until noon. It was long-distance, but we made it work, Rob told Dateline this week. Rob was so supportive then, and continues to be supportive. Wright then realized an anonymous tip had been reported right after Kesse vanished, also suggesting Chino might know something. But when I see that baby -- now a teenager -- its a powerful and heart-wrenching reminder of how much time has passed. Other than that, the apartment was completely normal.. Perhaps the womens physical similarities made Kesse a target. He graduated from Temple University with a degree in Journalism in 2010. When questioned about the vehicle, several residents confirmed it had been parked there for several days. They won their case and have since hired a private investigator in hopes of cracking the case on their own. The last person to speak to Jennifer was her boyfriend, in a call shortly before 10pm on the Monday night. And thats not how it should be.. Well get it. Every Friday, we send out an email with the scariest horror movies and TV shows streaming that weekend along with creepy news, updates from the horror movie pipeline, and links to the best scary content on the web. Kesse was in love with her boyfriend, Rob Allen, with whom she'd been in a long-distance relationship for the last year. For her disappearance and for the fact that its gone on this long without answers.. The next day, Jan. 24, 2006, Kesse's parents got a call saying she hadn't shown up for work. It was alleged that at one point after their breakup he drank himself senseless for two weeks and was inconsolable.. They hired a private investigator. Jenns family is urging the public to utilize any and all social media private messaging to contact their investigative team with tips and leads in the case. EARLY LIFE: Jennifer Joyce Kesse was born on May 20, 1981 to parents Drew and Joyce Kesse. Rob told Dateline that Jenn had expressed to him that she felt uncomfortable at times and wasnt thrilled living alone. When viewing surveillance videos, investigators spot an unidentified person parking Jennifer's car at 12pm on the day Jennifer went missing. ResourcesKesses Charley Project profile: http://charleyproject.org/case/jennifer-joyce-kesse, Wikipedia page about Kesses disappearance: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disappearance_of_Jennifer_Kesse, True Crime Society blog on Kimberly Kessler (with photos, press releases of alias and location information, and more): https://truecrimesociety.com/2019/08/16/the-bizarre-case-of-kimberly-kessler/, Recent news story about Kimberly Kessler: https://www.actionnewsjax.com/news/kimberly-kessler-down-79-pounds-has-outburst-during-court-hearing/V7ZS36M26NE3VGVSTHM5BL24D4/, Initial post where I saw this theory mentioned: https://www.reddit.com/r/UnresolvedMysteries/comments/cyrugq/the_bizarre_case_of_kimberly_kessler/, http://charleyproject.org/case/jennifer-joyce-kesse, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disappearance_of_Jennifer_Kesse, https://truecrimesociety.com/2019/08/16/the-bizarre-case-of-kimberly-kessler/, https://www.actionnewsjax.com/news/kimberly-kessler-down-79-pounds-has-outburst-during-court-hearing/V7ZS36M26NE3VGVSTHM5BL24D4/, https://www.reddit.com/r/UnresolvedMysteries/comments/cyrugq/the_bizarre_case_of_kimberly_kessler/. Jenns parents said it appeared she had gotten ready for work that morning and left, just like any other morning. On every level, Jenns case has been a challenge, Drew told Dateline. She had slept in her bed, taken a shower (as indicated by a wet towel and shower) and left out clothes on the bed. Authorities arrived and confirmed the car was Jenns. 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When you opt in, not only do you get our curated list of the best horror streaming and stories, you support our work and help us keep the lights on. Her condo complex was undergoing a renovation, and many of the workers had been living in the empty condos. Went outside of her condo locked the door on the way out. By subscribing, you agree to the terms of our Privacy Statement. There's been a lot of discussion about how the construction company kept poor records of employees working at this site, so perhaps this isn't an answerable question. 15 years since Jennifer Kesse went missing, the familys investigating what happened to her and hope to have answers this year, Fundraiser by Drew Kesse : Help Us Find Jennifer Kesse. Jennifer Kesse. But there was no evidence in that car, not any that was recorded in the police reports, private investigator Torretta told Dateline. After seeing Jenns story on the news, a resident of the Huntington on the Green condominiums, reported seeing a black Chevy Malibu that matched the description of the one Jenn owned. For 14 years, Jenns family has not given up their search for her. What is Known About Kimberly Kessler?In 2012, Kimberly Kesslers mother reported her missing. Read: 9 things to know about the disappearance of Jennifer Kesse. The unsolved disappearance of Jennifer Kesse Seig Lu January 19, 2021 7:42 pm Jennifer Kesse was 24 years old when she vanished in 2006 in Orlando. They hopped in the car with their son and drove to her condo. A couple hours later, after shed failed to appear for an important meeting at work, her employers contacted her parents, who hadnt heard from her, either. The day after Jennifers disappearance, Campos and a coworker named Adam were talking about the case. I just knew I had to get to Jenn right away.. A few friends told her that if the workers started to verbally harass her, to go to the manager, but thankfully it never escalated to that. Jennifer is loved by us, her family, so many friends as well as strangers around our country and the world, the family wrote. Police searched the area with dogs, horses, and search parties. But no one treated me like that. Now, on the 15th anniversary of her disappearance, her parents Joyce and Drew claim they are 'moving forward' with the case and have 'great hope' to solve it. By all accounts, the trip had gone really well. Friday marks 14 years since Jennifer Kesse vanished. Her black Chevy Malibu was gone. We had just returned from holiday -- which was so amazing -- but now we were both dreading going back to work, Rob said. They told us, Oh, shes an adult, she had a fight with her boyfriend, shell be back, and they left, Drew said. "We're fed up . Investigators will interview people Kesses law enforcement team has already identified as possible suspects or people who may have valuable information. Do investigators know where Kessler was on the days leading up to and including the day Kesse went missing? Drew and Joyce took legal action against the Orlando Police Department in order to gain access to Jenns case files. I called and I called and for the first time since Jenn was a teenager, it went straight to voicemail, Drew said. No one has seen or heard from her since. Both Drew and Jenns mother, Joyce, tried to call their daughter, but their calls and texts also went unanswered. They sued the Orlando Police Department in 2018, asking for a copy of the case files. The case centers on Jennifer Kesse, who disappeared on January 24, 2006, when she didn't show up for work. It also means retesting evidence the Kesses say has not ever been retested. There were intense efforts to enhance the footage, even enlisting the help of NASA, but the person could not be identified. It submerged our lives for so long. They talked about shipping the phone back to his friend. Monday marks 16 years since Jennifer Kesse disappeared. Jenns mother, Joyce, told Dateline she felt fortunate that their family was able to all speak to Jenn that day. . She also had a long-distance love with boyfriend Rob Allen, who lived around 3 hours away in Ft. Lauderdale, but with whom she was very serious, finding time to see him every weekend. And one night, we were out at a bar and met Jenn and her friends, Rob said. Logan moved away from the area with his wife and children, but told Dateline he will never stop looking for his sister. The main theory at the moment is that she was abducted, possibly by human traffickers. When investigators reviewed the stores surveillance tapes, they saw a familiar face exit the vehicleit was Jennifer Sybert, the co-worker who was the last person to have seen Cummings. If stealing identities wasnt what Kessler was doing, some reports suggested shed lashed out at Cummings because she was jealous of her. He added: 'Were really put ourselves in a good position currently. Always in contact with each other, Jenns father, Drew Kesse, told Dateline. Copyright 2021 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved. The parents of Jennifer Kesse say they are "closer than ever" to uncovering answers in the disappearance of their. 'Jennifer, we love you in a place where theres no space or time.'. Jennifer Kesse, meanwhile, was abducted after leaving her apartment on her way to work on the morning of Jan. 24, 2006. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. We dont know about what or how reporters knew that. Although a married man, other workers allege that Campos made it very clear that he desired a relationship with Jennifer but was rebuffed because not only did she have a boyfriend, she refused to date coworkers as a matter of policy. In December, WFTV reported that cold case detectives with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement are now looking over evidence to see if they can solve the mystery of her disappearance. But there are a few places where things dont match up or facts that dont seem to align: Obviously the biggest disconnect is that Kessler knew and worked with Cummings. Kesse's family said FDLE's cold case unit will take over and essentially restart the investigation into the Orlando woman's 2006 . During an ensuing investigation, it was discovered that Kessler had used at least 18 different aliases and had lived in at least 33 cities in 14 different states. Prison photos of Kessler since her arrest show her in prison-issue jumpsuits and with her hair parted down the center and pulled back tightly in a ponytail or bun. Signing up helps us (not Zuckerberg) stay in direct contact with you and create the best horror website possible. In November 2019, investigators spent days searching Lake Fischer after a new tip came forward. Weve created a community powered by horror fans like you and we need you in it. Something. The Kesse family told Dateline they wont ever stop searching for their daughter or for answers. She was successful, attractive, in love, and well-liked by everyone who knew her, so it seemed that her life was going pretty well, but there was a dark road ahead of her, which would lead into a deeply strange vanishing that remains totally unsolved. Kesse was 24 years old at the time of her disappearance. If you need help with the Public File, call 407-291-6000. He gave his life searching for her as much as we did. But instead, he stayed. Jennifer Joyce Kesse seemed to have everything going for her. At a press conference, investigators said they had reason to believe Cummings was no longer alive, but they had not found her remains. You know that feeling, when you dont want to get off the phone because you enjoy talking to the person so much? Rob said. Her black, Chevy Malibu car was later found a mile away on Thursday, January 26 at a condo complex around a mile down the road from where she lived. Its very difficult and slow fighting against the machine that is Orlando politics, but no one should be put through what is happening to us. Police were informed within two hours. . Kesses family said FDLEs cold case unit will take over and essentially restart the investigation into the Orlando womans 2006 disappearance from the beginning and work with OPD. This week marks 17 years since the 24-year-old vanished in 2006 but there have been no arrests made. Seventeen heart-shaped balloons were left . Sometimes it doesnt feel like 14 years has passed. In 2019, law enforcement divers searched Lake Fischer in unincorporated Orange County after the private eye identified a tip about somebody dumping a rolled-up carpet into the water several months after Kesse disappeared. 8. He said the family and private investigative team is ready to speak with any other law enforcement force. She was in very good spirits at the time, having thoroughly enjoyed her vacation and telling her mother that she was on a cloud. That evening she would come home from work and talk to her boyfriend on the phone for a time before heading to bed, and this seems to be the last time anyone ever spoke to her. It was about 10 p.m. Monday when they spoke, Rob told Dateline. Our newsletter keeps our core readers connected. Hes part of our family and always will be.. Kesse was 24 when she went missing. Jennifer's case was recently profiled on the Oxygen series Up & Vanished series. . 27.07 - MU Plus+ Podcast - Flames of Prophecy, 29.07 - MU Podcast - Contract with the Goddess, 29.06 - MU Podcast - Italian Disco Abductions, 27.06 - MU Plus+ Podcast - Secret Vaults of Time, Creature from the Black Lagoon, Queen's Ghost, Small Lake Monster, Space Caterpillar and More Mysterious News Briefly, A Haunted Book and the Most Haunted Bookshop There Is. The family says they did not want the case to be in the hands of Orlando police anymore, but moving the investigation to FDLE did not come easily and for six months they worked to convince the attorney generals office and other state partners to help them. which would lead into a deeply strange vanishing that remains totally unsolved. Jennifer Kesse, 24, disappeared from Orlando, Fla., on Jan. 24, 2006. Its possible that Kessler had intended to steal identities and was looking for women whom she physically resembled. There was no response. Investigators interviewed a coworker of Jennifers named Johnny Campos but concluded he was not guilty. "We firmly believe the departments negligence and lack of competency cost Jennifer the chance to be found," Drew wrote. Jennifer Kesse and her boyfriend, who lived several hours away in south Florida and was cleared early on by authorities, would call each other on the drive to work each morning.