Unmasking the Happy Face Killer: A Daughter’s Journey from Love to Horror

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Even if you haven’t heard about Paramount Plus drama “Happy Face” before, it wouldn’t be surprising to consider it as a typical crime series given its creators – Jennifer Cacicio (known for “Shooter” and “Damien”) and co-developers Robert and Michelle King from “The Good Wife”. However, there’s more to this show than meets the eye.

The eight-episode series focuses on Melissa, portrayed by Annaleigh Ashford, and her imprisoned father, acted by Dennis Quaid.

Or:

This eight-part show centers around the character of Melissa (played by Annaleigh Ashford) and her father who is serving time in prison, played by Dennis Quaid.

According to the official summary, it has been several decades since they last spoke, but he eventually manages to re-enter his daughter’s life in a compelling manner.

Under pressure against time, Melissa is on a quest to discover whether an innocent person will face execution for a crime that her father allegedly committed.

As she progresses, she uncovers the effects her father had on the families of his victims, leading her to confront a personal realization about her own identity.

However, Happy Face derives inspiration from the true story of Melissa G Moore, a woman whose father, infamous serial killer Keith Hunter Jesperson, carried out his crimes predominantly during the 1990s in the United States.

In an interview with IndieWire, Quaid stated, “Over a span of five years, he took the lives of eight women.” It was also revealed that this individual was a father figure to Melissa, Annaleigh’s character, and they had a very intimate bond. However, when he was apprehended at age 15, she discovered that her father was, in fact, a notorious serial killer.

In what way can one reconcile the image of a loving father with the actions of a monstrous perpetrator? This is the central question that the television series ‘Happy Face’ explores, setting it apart from many other crime thrillers.

For more information about the disturbing true story behind Happy Face, read on.

Happy Face true story

In my humble opinion, this gripping television series is loosely based on the true tale of Melissa G Moore, a remarkable young woman who uncovered the horrifying truth at just 15 years old: her father, Keith Hunter Jesperson, was none other than the infamous “Happy Face Killer.” This captivating drama offers a chilling glimpse into the life of a girl turned detective, navigating through the complexities of family secrets and cold-blooded murder.

It’s commonly accepted that he killed at least eight women, although he asserted he had taken the lives of 160 women. His alleged murders occurred in five different states – Washington, California, Florida, Wyoming, and Oregon – during his time as a long-haul truck driver in the 90s.

Jesperson was known for scribbling smiley faces on bathroom walls of truck stops, serving as a grim symbol for the murders he had committed. He additionally composed letters describing his criminal acts and either abandoned them at bus and truck stops or forwarded them to the media, always signing off with a cheerful smiley face.

Regarding the series Happy Face where Moore serves as an executive producer, she mentioned in an interview with Deadline that her motivation for sharing her story stemmed from a sense of isolation. “There isn’t much focus on the families of serial killers,” she added.

Watching serial killer documentaries, we often find they mainly focus on the perpetrator. However, many others have been impacted by these crimes. I’ve always felt overlooked in true crime narratives. For me personally, sharing my own story was crucial to reach out and connect with other affected families.

2008 saw Moore conducting multiple media talks regarding her father prior to the publication of her book, titled “Shattered Silence: An Unveiled Account of a Serial Killer’s Daughter”.

In 2016, her second publication titled “WHOLE: The Journey of Filling My Life’s Pieces with Forgiveness, Optimism, Power, and Imagination” hit the shelves.

Apart from that, she manages two podcast series as well. One is the 2020 edition titled “Happy Face Presents: Two Faces,” where she engages in conversations with Becky Babcock, the daughter of Diane Downs, a woman convicted for murdering her child. The other one is the 2021 podcast named “Life After Happy Face,” where she collaborates with forensic criminologist Dr. Laura Pettler to share real-life stories about individuals who were connected to killers or victims.

In an interview with the BBC back in 2014, she shared that while she deeply cared for her father, there was a sense of discomfort I felt when I was around him. He would often make me feel uneasy without resorting to any physical harm; it was more like a growing tension or anger simmering just beneath the surface.

At one point, I attempted to explain my feelings to a school counselor, but I didn’t manage to convey it effectively. In essence, many children might find their fathers odd.

Additionally, Moore mentioned an incident at a diner, where he was quite forward with the server, engaging in flirtatious banter.

At this meal, my father remarked, “Things aren’t always as they seem, Missy.” To which I responded, “Could you please explain, Dad?

He appeared to be struggling with something deep within himself. Then he shared, “You understand, there’s something crucial I need to share with you.” After a prolonged pause, I inquired about his revelation. He replied, “I’m afraid I can’t disclose it to you, dear. If I do, you’ll reveal it to the authorities. Contrary to what you believe, Melissa, I’m not who you think I am.

Moore said she “goes back to that incident so often”.

Suppose he had confessed his crimes to me, would I have reported him to the authorities? Given that he had just disclosed his seven murders – with an eighth imminent – what course of action would I have taken then?” she wondered.

“Could my father have killed me? That has been a huge question mark in my life.”

Moore has visited her father twice in prison – once in 1995 and again in 2005.

She is now married and has two children of her own.

In conversation, Moore expressed that her children have been unfairly affected due to the identity of their great-grandfather. However, Happy Face has assisted her in maintaining a positive outlook on this matter.

She shared that by watching the series, it has allowed her to see her personal journey from an outsider’s perspective, which is a rare and valuable insight that not many people experience, according to her explanation.

I value the insight gained from reflecting on my personal experiences as a parent, especially now that my children have grown into adults. In a sense, this is my moment of graduation, showcasing the lessons I’ve learned throughout the years.

Who is Happy Face Killer Keith Hunter Jesperson?

Born in Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada, Jesperson spent his childhood in Selah, Washington. His upbringing was marked by a reserved mother and a father who was accused of physical abuse, as portrayed in the 2018 documentary titled Monster in My Family.

As a child, he displayed troubling behavior such as bullying other kids, setting fires, and harming animals.

When talking to the BBC, Moore shared some unsettling memories from her childhood that involved cats. During these instances, her father clearly took pleasure in causing harm.

At the age of twenty, Jesperson tied the knot with Rose Hucke. The couple resided in Spokane, Washington, and together they welcomed three children: Melissa, Carrie, and Jason.

It’s assumed that he committed the first known murder, which was Taunja Bennett at the age of 23, in January 1990, shortly after his divorce from Hucke. They had initially encountered each other in a bar, where he later assaulted and choked her to death.

To begin with, it was another pair who were mistakenly found guilty for the crime, following which he started penning his letters.

From 1995 onwards, I remained engaged in a destructive spiral, taking lives unabated. However, the turning point came when I was under investigation for the tragic killing of my then-girlfriend, Julie Winningham, who was 41 years old. In a surprising twist, I chose to surrender myself during this time.

Among his other victims are Laurie Ann Pentland (aged 23), Angela May Subrize (aged 21), and Cynthia Lynn Wilcox.

Over the course of several decades, it proved difficult to identify certain victims because of complications and constraints in DNA testing. One such victim was Patricia Skiple, approximately 45 years old at the time, who wasn’t identified until 30 years after her murder.

34-year-old Suzanne Kjellenberg, only identified in 2023, is thought to be the last person he allegedly harmed.

Back in 1990, I, a film-loving lady, had an encounter I’d rather watch than live – a chilling run-in with a certain character named Jesperson, in a parking lot of all places, here in sunny California. Fortunately for me, I managed to make a quick escape from the situation.

In 2024, he told The Independent that he was still being looked at for a number of murders.

Where is Happy Face Killer Keith Hunter Jesperson now?

At the moment, Jesperson, who is currently 69 years old, is confined within the Oregon State Penitentiary. He’s there, serving multiple life terms one after the other.

In a 2021 interview with 20/20, Moore expressed his thought: “Given the opportunity, do I think he’d commit another crime if released? Yes, I do believe so.

“I don’t believe my dad is sorry at all… what he is sorry about, though, is that he got caught.”

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2025-03-20 16:12