", Amy Shreve Jett, of Little Rock, Ark., said she'd never heard of Kesse's case before Gurd shared a trailer for the show with Facebook fans of another true crime podcast, "Up and Vanished.". Unless someone just steps up and says, enough is enough. Were trying to stir up interest in something that was trying to die off," he said. January 24, 202115 years since Jennifer Kesse went missing, the familys investigating what happened to her and hope to have answers this yearABC 7 / WWSB / My Sun CoastNews Outlet. Is it the kidnapper? "We want everyone in the world to help.". The 24-year-old simply vanished and no one has ever been arrested. Copyright 2023 ClickOrlando.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. If you need help with the Public File, call 407-291-6000. When it launched earlier this year, the podcast, Unconcluded, drew around 15,000 downloads. in a cold case involving a 24-year-old Florida business executive, who vanished in 2006, may indicate that a violent struggle unfolded before her disappearance, according to the womans family. But he wants closure in the case, in any form that may take. How is that?". Gurd, who teaches 5th grade math and science, had only listened to three podcasts all of them of the true-crime variety before deciding to start Unconcluded. Her 2004 Chevy Malibu was found two days later about a mile away from her condo. The podcasts often revolve around older cases and stimulate public involvement in solving crimes in ways not seen before, said Stephen Holmes, associate professor of criminal justice at the University of Central Florida, who has studied the Kesse case. WebJennifer Joyce Kesse (born May 20, 1981) is an American woman from Orlando, Florida, who has been missing since January 23, 2006. The grainy video shows a man parking Kesse's car at Huntington and walking away. Another clue in the case involves a CCTV video of an individual exiting Kesse'scar before it was recovered by authorities. Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, breaking news, sweepstakes, and more! "She vanished. "The woman we talked to believes she saw Jennifer on Jan. 24, which was the day before she ended up being in the news," Gurd said. When Tampa fifth-grade teacher Shaun Gurd first learned of the 11-year-old Orlando missing persons case of Jennifer Kesse, he grew obsessed with cracking the case. He said they're not his podcasts, they're everyone's. What Happened Before Jennifer Kesse Vanished? 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. Its a new phenomenon.. Gurd says their approach helps grow their audience and most importantly keep people talking about the long-missing woman. Herfamilys pursuit to discover what happened to her has led them to thebottom of lakes and from Mexico to Russia, according to Fox News. When detectives reviewed surveillance video from the complex where Jennifer' Kesse's car was discovered, they saw a person parking her car. "It's really about the awareness, is really the point of the podcast, is the awareness. Jennifer Kesse was reported missing after she didnt show up to work on the morning of January 24, 2006. Seventeen heart-shaped balloons were left at the Mosaic at Millenia complex where Kesse was last seen on January 24, 2006. 81 2017, 5:20 PM. "48 Hours" correspondent Peter Van Sant reports. Those with information about Kesse's case can call the Orlando Police Department at 321-235-5300. cdoornbos@orlandosentinel.com, 407-650-6931 or @CaitlinDoornbos. He says 18 months have passed, and hes still receiving files. and from Mexico to Russia, according to Fox News. Kesse was 24 years old at the time of her disappearance. Investigators also uncovered a previously unseen fingerprint belonging to the victim, as well as a large boot print near the gas pedal. "It's grown way beyond what we expected,"Gurd said. With no prior knowledge of audio production or investigations, he and a friend Scott Jamison, 34, of Gainesville started a podcast, called "Unconcluded," exploring the possibilities of what happened to the then 24-year-old who vanished from her Orlando condo in 2006. In April, hebought a $100 USB microphone from Amazon.com that connects directly to his laptop, downloaded audio software and started the podcast from the guestroom of his home. Two days after Jennifer Kesse went missing, her black Chevy Malibu was found in another condo complex parking lot approximately 1 mile away from where she lived. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Jennifer Kesse was last seen leaving work in Orlando, Florida on January 23, 2006. "A real-time investigation into the disappearance of Jennifer Kesse," is how Gurd describes it in his bi-monthly podcast. When his classes begin again in the fall, hell limit that work to nights and weekends. "I think the biggest revelation that we've come across is, and this is something I was completely not expecting when we started this, is how much information that's out there about her case is just completely wrong.". "I see this girl coming to me, 'Hi ya' doing' [she says], she was with a guy, and the guy brushed her off," said the woman in the podcast. At approximately 8 a.m. on Thursday, January 26, a resident of the Huntington on the Green condominium complex reported they found Jennifer Kesse's car in a visitor's spot in the parking lot. More Videos No, other than her statements.". Father Of Missing Florida Woman Discusses Tip In Case. Kesse was a graduate of Gaither High School in Tampa. We're talking with people, we're not talking at people. UPDATES: Get news alerts and updates in the free FOX 13 News app. "I don't expect to be the guy from 'NCIS' who digs up some clue and points the finger at somebody," Jamison said. At approximately 8 a.m. on Thursday, January 26, a resident of the Huntington on the Green condominium complex reported they found Jennifer Kesse's car in a visitor's spot in the parking lot. In the files, investigators suspected a struggle on the hood of Kesse's car when they discovered the vehicle. he said. The hosts of the "Unconcluded" podcast are investigating leads in the case of missing Orlando woman Jennifer Kesse. Drew Kesse said he doesnt expect to see his daughter alive again. Investigators found evidence suggesting she showered and got ready for work that morning, and police believe she left her condo about 8 a.m., they said. Drew Kesse says a part of the settlement required the police department to hand over all of the files over a four-month period. Seventeen years ago, Jennifer Kesse disappeared in Orlando in a high-profile case that made national news. The detective in charge of Jennifer Kesse's case was at a conference and unavailable to comment for this article. But that lead has never led to any arrests, USA Todayreportedin 2017. People who didnt know about Jennifer Kesse two months ago do now. "48 Hours" correspondent Peter Van Sant reports. 3. I don't claim to be. Jennifer Kesse was reported missing after she didnt show up to work on the morning of Jan. 24, 2006, according to WKMG. When detectives reviewed surveillance video from the complex where Jennifer' Kesse's car was discovered, they saw a person parking her car. I learn something new every day," Gurd said. Drew Kesse believes, the markings on the hood, show signs of So far, Gurd and Jamison haveproduced six episodes and several other smaller broadcasts. "How have we not progressed in 11 years to at least a direction?" January 25, 2018OPD Announces Enhanced Focus in Jennifer Kesse Disappearance CaseCity of OrlandoGovernment Website. Jennifer Kesse was reported missing after she didnt show up to work on the morning of January 24, 2006. It allows us to have some emotions behind it," Gurd said. Gurd hopes and believes that eventually his podcast will reach someone key to the investigation who doesn't know Kesse is missing, didn't think a tip was important enough to report it to police or was previously afraid to come forward. When questioned about the vehicle, several residents confirmed it had been parked there for several days. 81 2017, 5:20 PM. Jennifer Kesse's parents plead for information on the 10th anniversary of her disappearance. For example, in a recent episode, Gurd interviewed a Tennessee woman who swears she saw Kesse inside a jewelry shop in the year after her disappearance with a man who she thinks was trafficking her. Margie Dempsey Bogus, who lives in Connecticut, said the collective approach helps spread the message of the Kesse case. More Videos Jennifer Kesse before her disappearance, left, and how she may look today, at right. Jennifer Kesse's family was back in court Thursday after suing the Orlando Police Department in an attempt to obtain records of their missing daughter's case. Monday marks 16 years since Jennifer Kesse disappeared. When questioned about the vehicle, several residents confirmed it had been parked there for several days. Her black Chevy Malibu was found abandoned one mile away from her home. We dont have an alternative, really, her mother Joyce Kesse, told the newspaper. The case so intrigued Shaun Gurd, a Tampa-area elementary teacher who heard about it from his wife, that he recently decided to start a podcast, along with friend Scott Jamison, looking into the details of the disappearance. Create your free profile and get access to exclusive content. Jennifer Kesse was reported missing after she didnt show up to work on the morning of Jan. 24, 2006, according toWKMG. Jennifer needs to come home, Drew Kesse told USA Today. WebA young woman vanishes from her Florida condo security footage captures a phantom figure calmly parking her car. "We don't want to air something on the podcast that's going to add to the misinformation that's already out there," Gurd said. More Videos Jennifer Kesse before her disappearance, left, and how she may look today, at right. Gurd also spoke with a jewelry store owner in Tennessee who believes she saw Kesse in the store several months after she disappeared. January 24, 202115 years since Jennifer Kesse went missing, the familys investigating what happened to her and hope to have answers this yearABC 7 / WWSB / My Sun CoastNews Outlet. Kesse was a graduate of Gaither High School in Tampa. Tuesday marked 17 years since Jennifer Kesse disappeared in Orlando. The case centers on Jennifer Kesse, who disappeared on January 24, 2006, when she didnt show up for work. Kesse was last seen at her Orlando condo near Mall at Millenia. Monday marks 16 years since Jennifer Kesse disappeared. Though the story has listeners across the county transfixed, Drew Kesse said he hopes people remember his daughter as a person. Can I move it forward and make people aware of it and encourage someone to come forward that allows law enforcement to solve this case? Kesse was last seen at her Orlando condo near Mall at Millenia. (Orlando Sentinel/Orlando Sentinel). Drew Kesse said he is meeting with investigators on the case later this month something he tries to do at least twice a year. "It looked like someone was thrown down on the top of the hood arms spread out and then dragged back, almost like off the hood, to the point where you can almost see fingers scribbling down the hood," Drew Kessetold Fox News. Two days after Jennifer Kesse went missing, her black Chevy Malibu was found in another condo complex parking lot approximately 1 mile away from where she lived. Drew Kesse said he trusts that the woman believes she saw his daughter, but doubts she's correct. Jennifer Kesse was last seen leaving work in Orlando, Florida on January 23, 2006. "I love our group because there are so many different perspectives looking at the facts," Shreve Jett said. At the time she vanished, she was living in Orlando. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. The two are up-front about their qualifications or lack thereof. Link your TV provider to stream full episodes and live TV. Kesse was reported missing on Jan. 24, 2006, after failing to show up to her job as a financial analyst. He started the podcast solely to bring Jennifer home. Follow him on Twitter at: @MrRJervis. Is it the kidnapper? The 24-year-old simply vanished and no one has ever been arrested. Jennifer Kesse before her disappearance, left, and how she may look today, at right. 2. We hope that by showing the public these photos, someone will come forward with information theyve been holding onto for all these years.". "We don't have to be impartial. Her Black Chevy Malibu was found abandoned one mile away from her home in Orlando. Gurd said according to the statistics he receives, "Unconcluded" episodes are downloaded on average 450,000 times per month. There are about 150 different photos of the car overall, where we only saw three or four of the car up until that point, Kesse said. Jennifer Kesse was first reported missing on January 24, 2006. Orlando Police spokeswoman Michelle Guido said detectives on the case have vetted more than 150 tips on the Jennifer Kesse case that have come in through the Crimeline number and have been in nearly weekly contact with the family. When you see your podcast passing Katie Courics, its pretty interesting, Gurd, 35, said. It looked as though two people were fighting over the steering wheel.". Shortly after she vanished, Kesse's car was discovered parked around a mile from her home. Others followed, including In the Dark, which explored the 1989 abduction and murder of an 11-year-old boy, and Undisclosed, which investigates wrongful convictions, along with a slew of others with names like True Crime Garage and Someone Knows Something. Check out never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! Oxygen Insider is your all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more. "We're still figuring it out.". Kesses family says they are now convinced the image of the black Chevrolet sedan could hold the key to solving her disappearance. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. When detectives reviewed surveillance video from the complex where Jennifer' Kesse's car was discovered, they saw a person parking her car. Jennifer Kesse was first reported missing on January 24, 2006. Gurd also runs a Facebook group discussion page where people from all over the world discuss and debate the Kesse case all day, every day. 2. Her black Chevy Malibu was found abandoned one mile away from her home. Shortly after she vanished, Kesse's car was discovered parked around a mile from her home. The 24-year-old simply vanished and no one has ever been arrested. They say they don't make a profit from the operation, though they do have a page on a website where listeners can donate to their cause. Erik joined the News 6 News Team in 2003 days after the tragic loss of space shuttle Columbia. 81 2017, 5:20 PM. The hosts of the "Unconcluded" podcast are investigating leads in the case of missing Orlando woman Jennifer Kesse. And anyone with a decent microphone and Internet access could start one. "I listen to all of them as soon as they come out. "After 11 years, it's very difficult for her not to be an object," he said. But that lead has never led to any arrests, USA Today, In 2018, the family sued the Orlando Police Department in order to obtain the records pertaining to the case, the Orlando Sentinel. Copyright 2017 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved. Tuesday marked 17 years since Jennifer Kesse disappeared in Orlando. Her black Chevy Malibu was found abandoned one mile away from her home. "It looked like someone was thrown down on the top of the hood arms spread out and then dragged back, almost like off the hood, to the point where you can almost see fingers scribbling down the hood," Drew Kesse, Jennifer Kesse was reported missing after she didnt show up to work on the morning of Jan. 24, 2006, according to, pursuit to discover what happened to her has led them to the. And say there may be some benefit to that. "As Shaun and Scott offer their information, we, as listeners, get to come here and all interact and offer suggestions," she said. Gurd is currently working 25 to 30 hours a week on the podcast and its investigation, he said. "48 Hours" correspondent Peter Van Sant reports. "I'm not an investigator. "I wish everyone could have a daughter like her," he said. "This person holds the key to solving the case, Torretta said. The case centers on Jennifer Kesse, who disappeared on January 24, 2006, when she didnt show up for work. "It costs way more than anybody would think to do the investigations and travel," Gurd said. January 24, 202115 years since Jennifer Kesse went missing, the familys investigating what happened to her and hope to have answers this yearABC 7 / WWSB / My Sun CoastNews Outlet. Kesse was reported missing Jan. 24, 2006 when she didn't show up for work at Westgate Resorts in Ocoee. In his podcast, Gurd interviews a woman who claims she saw someone who lookslike Jennifer Kesse in the Tennessee jewelry store where she worked in the months after she went missing. Soon after, Orlando police released a surveillance video clip recorded from Huntington on the Green, an apartment complex 1.2 miles from where Kesse lived at the Mosiac at Millenia condos. An anonymous witness told Fox News she saw Kesses sedan swerving in traffic near an exit by the condo where she lived on the morning she was reported missing. (Drew Kesse). Orlando Police detectives have not been able to find a suspect, but they do think Kesse was abducted. 2. ORLANDO The disappearance of 24-year-old Jennifer Kesse has vexed investigators, friends and family members since she vanished from her Orlando condo more than 11 years ago. Jennifer Kesse, 24, disappeared from Orlando, Fla., on Jan. 24, 2006. The case centers on Jennifer Kesse, who disappeared on January 24, 2006, when she didnt show up for work. Tuesday marked 17 years since Jennifer Kesse disappeared in Orlando. Newly releasedimages in a cold case involving a 24-year-old Florida business executive, who vanished in 2006, may indicate that a violent struggle unfolded before her disappearance, according to the womans family. Two days later, her black Chevy Malibu was found at an apartment complex in a high-crime area of Orlando, about a mile from her condo. Overall, he's spent about $1,000 of his own money on the podcast, which does not generate revenue, and usually records the broadcasts at night, after his 11-month-old daughter has been put to bed. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. I just got chills saying that., Jennifer Kesse disappeared on Jan. 24, 2006. Jennifer Kesse was reported missing after she didnt show up to work on the morning of January 24, 2006. Sign up forOxygen Insiderfor all the best true crime content. Whether or not it's true, though, is not the point. The comments keep going on," he said. Thats been a success in our book.. As we read the files, the detectives on the scene say to the crime scene technicians, it seems as though there was a struggle on the hood, please see what you can do with that, he said. January 25, 2018OPD Announces Enhanced Focus in Jennifer Kesse Disappearance CaseCity of OrlandoGovernment Website. disappeared almost 15 years ago, but her father now says that new images of her abandoned Chevrolet Malibu indicate that she may have been attacked before going missing. Seventeen years ago, Jennifer Kesse disappeared in Orlando in a high-profile case that made national news. At approximately 8 a.m. on Thursday, January 26, a resident of the Huntington on the Green condominium complex reported they found Jennifer Kesse's car in a visitor's spot in the parking lot. Jennifer Kesse was reported missing after she didnt show up to work on the morning of Jan. 24, 2006, according to WKMG. WebA young woman vanishes from her Florida condo security footage captures a phantom figure calmly parking her car. previously reported that no signs of a struggle were evident. ORLANDO The disappearance of 24-year-old Jennifer Kesse has vexed investigators, friends and family members since she vanished from her Orlando condo more than 11 years ago. Her 2004 Chevy Malibu was found two days later about a mile away from her condo. He has never been identified. Kudos to 'Unconcluded' thus far.". We rely on tips and information from the public in solving many crimes, sowe always want to hear any tips anyone may have, she said. A young woman vanishes from her Florida condo security footage captures a phantom figure calmly parking her car. Kesse was 24 years old at the time of her disappearance. Jennifer Kesse has been missing for 17 years: Her family hasn't stopped the search Her family has renewed hope after investigators with the FDLE joined the search. The woman said she reported the sighting to the Central Florida Crimeline number but never heard back from detectives until she appeared on Unconcluded. Monday marks 16 years since Jennifer Kesse disappeared. The determined parents have since admitted they dont expect to find their daughter alive but insist they need answers to find any sense of closure. But he plans to continue broadcasting clues and theories in the Jennifer Kesse case for as long as it takes, he said. Kesse was 24 years old at the time of her disappearance. More than a decade later, Drew Kesse said investigators know little else. Seventeen heart-shaped balloons were left at the Mosaic at Millenia complex where Kesse was last seen on January 24, 2006. Kesse was reported missing Jan. 24, 2006, after she failed to show up for her job as a financial analyst in Ocoee. (Gurd)has brought this back to light in a way I cant, Drew Kesse said. Jennifer Kesse has been missing for 17 years: Her family hasn't stopped the search Her family has renewed hope after investigators with the FDLE joined the search. We really havent seen the general public involved in this type of cold case exploration before these podcasts, he said. "Shes still someones daughter and someone's sister. But one series of photos caught their attention. Kesse was last seen at her Orlando condo near Mall at Millenia. Jennifer Kesse was reported missing after she didnt show up to work on the morning of January 24, 2006. She said "Unconcluded" stands out among other podcasts because Gurd and Jamison engage with their fans in a Facebook group and listeners help shape the investigation. They'll also flesh out potential tips over the phone. Speaking into a basic USB microphone attached to his laptop, Gurd discusses with his partner ideas, suggestions, and potential leads in the disappearance of Jennifer Kesse. He had never heard of the Kesse case until his wife told him about it. Google searches taught him how to edit audio and submit the episodes to iTunes. Drew Kesse believes, the markings on the hood, show signs of Gurd and Jamison forward the information they discover to law enforcement, and don't have plans to stop anytime soon. Unconcluded has reawakened the case and garnered more attention than Drew Kesse ever imagined, without having to reinsert himself into the emotionally draining world of the investigation, he said. "I sit at my kitchen table and record after my kids go to bed and I put my dogs away.". From the corner of his guest bedroom at his home in Tampa, Shaun Gurd hosts "Unconcluded.". He estimates that the podcasts are reaching some 50,000 people per month. His Facebook page at one point had more than 10,000 followers, but he shut it down when his family began receiving death threats, extortion claims and other sordid proposals, he said. Gurd said he hopes airing the possible sightings will encourage others with information to come forward. (Courtesy Orlando Police Department). Gurd, a fifth-grade teacher in Tampa, and his partner Scott Jamison, a college athletics teacher in Gainesville, regularly meet in Orlando to investigate potential leads, Gurd said. Jennifer Kesse's family was back in court Thursday after suing the Orlando Police Department in an attempt to obtain records of their missing daughter's case. Jennifer Kesse was reported missing after she didnt show up to work on the morning of Jan. 24, 2006, according to WKMG. Police later found her car parked at another condominium complex a mile away and grainy surveillance video captured the image of a person leaving the car and walking way. They spent the last 18 months pouring over every detail with a fine-tooth comb with their private investigator. Another clue in the case involves a CCTV video of an individual exiting Kesse'scar before it was recovered by authorities. Drew Kesse told News 6 thatGurd and his partner are "doing a great job. Jervis is a national correspondent for USA TODAY. Two days later, her black Chevy Malibu was found at an apartment complex in a high-crime area of Orlando, about a mile from her condo. "There is a huge true crime community out there," Jamison said. Jennifer Kesse was last seen leaving work in Orlando, Florida on January 23, 2006. Also making people aware that it's still unsolved, 11 years later.". "You see it on the comments pages, 'This is the first time I've seen this case,'" he said. They try to make sure all of the information and sources discussed in their podcast are credible. Jennifer Kesse has been missing for 17 years: Her family hasn't stopped the search Her family has renewed hope after investigators with the FDLE joined the search. The Unconcluded podcast can be found on iTunes, or at unconcluded.com. Drew Kesse believes, the markings on the hood, show signs of a violent struggle. If you look really close, it almost looks like someone was slammed down over the front hood, drivers side like onto the hood, and then almost pulled off of it. Her black Chevy Malibu was found abandoned one mile away from her home. Hes garnering a bigger and bigger audience every single week, and thats what she needs.. Detectives are listening to the podcast, Guido said. "The term 'homemade podcast' doesn't offend me," Jamison said. "When you put your heads together, ideas come up. January 25, 2018OPD Announces Enhanced Focus in Jennifer Kesse Disappearance CaseCity of OrlandoGovernment Website. Is it the kidnapper? Kesse was a graduate of Gaither High School in Tampa. In three months, "Unconcluded" has averaged about 175,000 unique downloads per month and nearly 1,400 people are members of a Facebook discussion page about the podcast. Gurd and Jamison who have families and full-time jobs began working on the podcast earlier this year, buying a microphone on the internet and teaching themselves audio production techniques. An OPD spokesperson said Sprague looks into every lead she receives from Gurd and has weekly conversations with Kesse's parents, Drew and Joyce. That's the goal," Gurd said. Unconcluded is the latest in a series of true-crime podcasts that have exploded onto the podcast scene, drawing millions of listeners and spawningparallel investigations into often decades-old criminal cases. Jennifer Kesse's family was back in court Thursday after suing the Orlando Police Department in an attempt to obtain records of their missing daughter's case. Jennifer Kesse before her disappearance, left, and how she may look today, at right. At the time she vanished, she was living in Orlando. Her familys pursuit to discover what happened to her has led them to the bottom of lakes and from Mexico to Its been learn as we go, he said. I will take her anyway I can get her.. "The photos look suspicious and show what appears to be a hand mark going across the hood," private investigator Mike Torretta told Fox News. Gurd said if the woman is telling the truth, it would mean Kesse, not just her car, was at Huntington on the Green. "You can kind of form a community around it," he said. Jennifer Kesse's parents plead for information on the 10th anniversary of her disappearance. WebA young woman vanishes from her Florida condo security footage captures a phantom figure calmly parking her car. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. The podcast has also pointed out deficiencies in the investigation headed by Orlando Police. Its unclear if the purported marks in the hood of Kesses car wereoverlooked by investigators following the initial police report. The fact that Gurd lived just an hours drive from Orlando and he hadnt heard of Kesses case motivated him to start the podcast and raise awareness, he said.