The chilling moniker “Happy Face Killer” conjures up a dark chapter in American true crime history. Keith Hunter Jesperson, the man behind the name, terrorized the United States during the 1990s, leaving a trail of victims and devastated families. This Thursday, Hulu’s “IMPACT x Nightline” revisits this grim saga with a new development: the identification of a Jane Doe victim, Patsy Skiple.
“Deadly Smile: The Happy Face Killer,” reported by Juju Chang of “Nightline,” delves into the painstaking process of identifying Skiple and bringing a measure of closure to her family. Drawing on over a decade of ABC News coverage, including interviews from “20/20,” the episode provides a comprehensive overview of the case. What emerges isn’t just a rehash of familiar details, but a sobering look at the enduring impact of Jesperson’s crimes.
The episode includes interviews with Skiple’s family, offering a heartbreaking glimpse into their long wait for answers. Also featured is the police lieutenant who spearheaded the DNA investigation that ultimately led to Skiple’s identification. Perhaps most compelling is the perspective of Melissa Moore, Jesperson’s daughter, who grapples with the weight of her father’s horrific legacy.
“IMPACT x Nightline: Deadly Smile: The Happy Face Killer” streams Thursday, May 8 on Hulu.
