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. "48 Hours" correspondent Peter Van Sant reports. "After 11 years, it's very difficult for her not to be an object," he said. Kesses family says they are now convinced the image of the black Chevrolet sedan could hold the key to solving her disappearance. That's the goal," Gurd said. Were trying to stir up interest in something that was trying to die off," he said. 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. When questioned about the vehicle, several residents confirmed it had been parked there for several days. "We never want it to be a business we're not out to make money.". "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.". UPDATES: Get news alerts and updates in the free FOX 13 News app. Gurd and Jamison have produced six episodes and five bonus commentary featurettes so far in the podcast. Gurd said his wife briefly worked with Kesse's mother. 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. 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. Whether or not it's true, though, is not the point. Father Of Missing Florida Woman Discusses Tip In Case. The episodes explore the case, interviewing family and witnesses and correcting misinformation along the way. When it launched earlier this year, the podcast, Unconcluded, drew around 15,000 downloads. 3. Drew Kesse believes, the markings on the hood, show signs of 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. 81 2017, 5:20 PM. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. The hosts of the "Unconcluded" podcast are investigating leads in the case of missing Orlando woman Jennifer Kesse. "Shes still someones daughter and someone's sister. CBS News previously reported that no signs of a struggle were evident. "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. "It's really about getting the community back involved.". "The term 'homemade podcast' doesn't offend me," Jamison said. "We need people to realize that she's a human being.". We really havent seen the general public involved in this type of cold case exploration before these podcasts, he said. "When you put your heads together, ideas come up. Jennifer Kesse, 24, disappeared from Orlando, Fla., on Jan. 24, 2006. 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. And say there may be some benefit to that. Gurd said according to the statistics he receives, "Unconcluded" episodes are downloaded on average 450,000 times per month. 3. 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. "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. How is that?". Monday marks 16 years since Jennifer Kesse disappeared. ORLANDO, Fla. - When FOX 13 last spoke with Jennifer Kesses father Drew in March 2019, he and his wife Joyce had just settled with the Orlando Police Department to receive their missing daughters case file, which was jam-packed with 16,000 pages of notes, videos and photos. Her 2004 Chevy Malibu was found two days later about a mile away from her condo. "I'm not going to solve this case. Seventeen heart-shaped balloons were left at the Mosaic at Millenia complex where Kesse was last seen on January 24, 2006. "Absolutely, awareness is truly the most important thing in a missing persons case.". With fingertips and all, Drew Kesse said. 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 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. When you see your podcast passing Katie Courics, its pretty interesting, Gurd, 35, said. Herfamilys pursuit to discover what happened to her has led them to thebottom of lakes and from Mexico to Russia, according to Fox News. Drew Kesse believes, the markings on the hood, show signs of a violent struggle. 2. "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," the father of Jennifer Kesse, who vanished without a trace in 2006, said. "I'm not an investigator. Crime News is your destination for true crime stories from around the world, breaking crime news, and information about Oxygen's original true crime shows and documentaries. What Happened Before Jennifer Kesse Vanished? But that lead has never led to any arrests, USA Todayreportedin 2017. It allows us to have some emotions behind it," Gurd 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. "We're still figuring it out.". "It's grown way beyond what we expected,"Gurd said. "I sit at my kitchen table and record after my kids go to bed and I put my dogs away.". "Previously, only her car was known to be at this location, so if we can somehow place her at this location obviously it'll open up other avenues in this investigation," Gurd said. 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. Thats been a success in our book.. Kesse was a graduate of Gaither High School in Tampa. 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. Kesse was reported missing on Jan. 24, 2006, after failing to show up to her job as a financial analyst. Gurd and Jamison forward the information they discover to law enforcement, and don't have plans to stop anytime soon. "48 Hours" correspondent Peter Van Sant reports. Seventeen years ago, Jennifer Kesse disappeared in Orlando in a high-profile case that made national news. Shortly after she vanished, Kesse's car was discovered parked around a mile from her home. 2. 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. No, other than her statements.". Unless someone just steps up and says, enough is enough. But one series of photos caught their attention. Drew Kesse said the discussions can only help the seemingly stagnant case that's caused his family agony for 11 years. 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. Jennifer Kesse's parents plead for information on the 10th anniversary of her disappearance. "This person holds the key to solving the case, Torretta said. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Monday marks 16 years since Jennifer Kesse disappeared. Drew Kesse told News 6 thatGurd and his partner are "doing a great job. Kesse was 24 years old at the time of her disappearance. Jennifer Kesse, 24, disappeared from Orlando, Fla., on Jan. 24, 2006. And no oneknows where she is.". More Videos At the time she vanished, she was living in Orlando. 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. The Unconcluded podcast can be found on iTunes, or at unconcluded.com. At the time she vanished, she was living in Orlando. 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. 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. The case centers on Jennifer Kesse, who disappeared on January 24, 2006, when she didnt show up for work. Drew Kesse said he is meeting with investigators on the case later this month something he tries to do at least twice a year. Anyone with information on this case can call the Orlando Police Department at 321-235-5300 if they wish to speak to a detective, or the Central Florida Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS, if they wish to remain anonymous. Margie Dempsey Bogus, who lives in Connecticut, said the collective approach helps spread the message of the Kesse case. previously reported that no signs of a struggle were evident. Jennifer Kesse was reported missing after she didnt show up to work on the morning of January 24, 2006. "In this particular case, we found a lot of information she gave to be credible. He has never been identified. 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. After hearing about the case from his wife last year, Gurd said he couldnt stop thinking about Kesses disappearance. They'll also flesh out potential tips over the phone. Her black Chevy Malibu was found abandoned one mile away from her home. Tuesday marked 17 years since Jennifer Kesse disappeared in Orlando. 81 2017, 5:20 PM. 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. Gurd is currently working 25 to 30 hours a week on the podcast and its investigation, he said. 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. Jennifer Kesse before her disappearance, left, and how she may look today, at right. and from Mexico to Russia, according to Fox News. Detectives are listening to the podcast, Guido said. An unknown person was later seen on surveillance video parking Kesse's car at an apartment complex about a mile away. Kesse was 24 years old at the time of her disappearance. The woman said she reported the sighting to the Central Florida Crimeline number but never heard back from detectives until she appeared on Unconcluded. Jennifer Kesse was reported missing after she didnt show up to work on the morning of January 24, 2006. Shortly after she vanished, Kesse's car was discovered parked around a mile from her home. ", "I think it's going to possibly go viral if he [Gurd] can hit home in one more episode or side bar," Drew Kesse said. Since that day in 2006, he has been contactedby scores of people and private investigators offering to help solve the case, only to be led down wrong paths or given misleading tips. WebJennifer Joyce Kesse (born May 20, 1981) is an American woman from Orlando, Florida, who has been missing since January 23, 2006. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. When questioned about the vehicle, several residents confirmed it had been parked there for several days. The 24-year-old simply vanished and no one has ever been arrested. 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. Her black Chevy Malibu was found abandoned one mile away from her home. More Videos "The car was moving erratically," the witness told Fox News. 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. Gurd said if the woman is telling the truth, it would mean Kesse, not just her car, was at Huntington on the Green. An OPD spokesperson said Sprague looks into every lead she receives from Gurd and has weekly conversations with Kesse's parents, Drew and Joyce. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. "What this podcast is doing is allowing people to be engaged. Orlando Police detectives have not been able to find a suspect, but they do think Kesse was abducted. But he plans to continue broadcasting clues and theories in the Jennifer Kesse case for as long as it takes, he said. "We want everyone in the world to help.". "It's really about the awareness, is really the point of the podcast, is the awareness. January 25, 2018OPD Announces Enhanced Focus in Jennifer Kesse Disappearance CaseCity of OrlandoGovernment Website. Kesse was last seen at her Orlando condo near Mall at Millenia. It also gives them freedom to address possible leads not typically presented in traditional media. Check out never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! Gurd says their approach helps grow their audience and most importantly keep people talking about the long-missing woman. Her 2004 Chevy Malibu was found two days later about a mile away from her condo. Her black Chevy Malibu was found abandoned one mile away from her home. 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. Now do we have any way of proving she saw Jennifer Kesse at this point? So far, Gurd and Jamison haveproduced six episodes and several other smaller broadcasts. Jennifer Kesse before her disappearance, left, and how she may look today, at right. Is it the kidnapper? Jennifer Kesse's parents plead for information on the 10th anniversary of her disappearance. The hosts of the "Unconcluded" podcast are investigating leads in the case of missing Orlando woman Jennifer Kesse. "The photos look suspicious and show what appears to be a hand mark going across the hood," private investigator Mike Torretta told Fox News. The hosts of the "Unconcluded" podcast are investigating leads in the case of missing Orlando woman Jennifer Kesse. The case centers on Jennifer Kesse, who disappeared on January 24, 2006, when she didnt show up for work. People who didnt know about Jennifer Kesse two months ago do now. Kudos to 'Unconcluded' thus far.". But he wants closure in the case, in any form that may take. One of the first and most popular, Serial, began in 2014 with a look into the 1999 murder of an 18-year-old Baltimore high school student. 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. "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. Kesse was reported missing Jan. 24, 2006 when she didn't show up for work at Westgate Resorts in Ocoee. Her familys pursuit to discover what happened to her has led them to the bottom of lakes and from Mexico to Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. 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? 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. Jennifer needs to come home, he said. 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. And anyone with a decent microphone and Internet access could start one. 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. The "engaging, smart and inquisitive" University of Central Florida graduate had just purchased her Mosaic at Millenia condo and was already making a higher salary than her father just two and a half years out of college, her father, Drew Kesse said. Kesse was a graduate of Gaither High School in Tampa. 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. The podcast has also pointed out deficiencies in the investigation headed by Orlando Police. Is it the kidnapper? Is it the kidnapper? WebJennifer Joyce Kesse (born May 20, 1981) is an American woman from Orlando, Florida, who has been missing since January 23, 2006. Erik joined the News 6 News Team in 2003 days after the tragic loss of space shuttle Columbia. "A real-time investigation into the disappearance of Jennifer Kesse," is how Gurd describes it in his bi-monthly podcast. 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. (Drew Kesse). The family is hoping that by sharing these photos with the public, someone will come forward with information. Jennifer Kesse was reported missing after she didnt show up to work on the morning of Jan. 24, 2006, according to WKMG. We dont have an alternative, really, her mother Joyce Kesse, told the newspaper. Jennifer Kesse was reported missing after she didnt show up to work on the morning of Jan. 24, 2006, according to WKMG. More Videos 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. When questioned about the vehicle, several residents confirmed it had been parked there for several days. "I listen to all of them as soon as they come out. The 24-year-old simply vanished and no one has ever been arrested. Another clue in the case involves a CCTV video of an individual exiting Kesse'scar before it was recovered by authorities. Link your TV provider to stream full episodes and live TV. Sign up forOxygen Insiderfor all the best true crime content. "It costs way more than anybody would think to do the investigations and travel," Gurd said. WebA young woman vanishes from her Florida condo security footage captures a phantom figure calmly parking her car. In Gurd's most recent podcast, Episode 7, he played a phone interview with a woman who he and his partner believe lived at Huntington at the time when Kesse's car was abandoned. I learn something new every day," Gurd said. Her familys pursuit to discover what happened to her has led them to the bottom of lakes and from Mexico to Seventeen years ago, Jennifer Kesse disappeared in Orlando in a high-profile case that made national news. (Gurd)has brought this back to light in a way I cant, Drew Kesse said. Gurd said he hopes airing the possible sightings will encourage others with information to come forward. We're talking with people, we're not talking at people. "I wish everyone could have a daughter like her," he said. Tuesday marked 17 years since Jennifer Kesse disappeared in Orlando. RELATED Dive teams search lake following new tip on Jennifer Kesse, missing since 2006, Were not in a direction of Jennifer yet, Drew Kesse said. I will take her anyway I can get her.. It was an instant cultural phenomenon, becoming the fastest podcast to reach 5 million downloads in iTunes history. Jennifer Kesse before her disappearance, left, and how she may look today, at right. Gurd said he receives no money from the podcasts. Seventeen heart-shaped balloons were left at the Mosaic at Millenia complex where Kesse was last seen on January 24, 2006. Jennifer Kesse before her disappearance, left, and how she may look today, at right. Create your free profile and get access to exclusive content. Shortly after she vanished, Kesse's car was discovered parked around a mile from her home. 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. Jennifer Kesse was last seen leaving work in Orlando, Florida on January 23, 2006. 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. "There is a huge true crime community out there," Jamison said. he said. 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. Gurd also spoke with a jewelry store owner in Tennessee who believes she saw Kesse in the store several months after she disappeared. 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. 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. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. The detective in charge of Jennifer Kesse's case was at a conference and unavailable to comment for this article. "I don't expect to be the guy from 'NCIS' who digs up some clue and points the finger at somebody," Jamison said. "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. Copyright 2023 ClickOrlando.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. The case centers on Jennifer Kesse, who disappeared on January 24, 2006, when she didnt show up for work. I don't claim to be. (Orlando Sentinel/Orlando Sentinel). 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. 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. Jennifer Kesse, 24, disappeared from Orlando, Fla., on Jan. 24, 2006. Her familys pursuit to discover what happened to her has led them to the bottom of lakes and from Mexico to "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. After the Tennessee jewelry store worker episode, police officials instructed dispatchers to route any callers wishing to speak to a detective on the Jennifer Kesse, or any other missing persons, casedirectly to the investigator in charge, she said. Jennifer Kesse was last seen leaving work in Orlando, Florida on January 23, 2006. 3. He had never heard of the Kesse case until his wife told him about it. The two are up-front about their qualifications or lack thereof. 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. They tell their listeners they're "not police, reporters or investigators." Her Black Chevy Malibu was found abandoned one mile away from her home in Orlando. Drew Kesse says a part of the settlement required the police department to hand over all of the files over a four-month period. From the corner of his guest bedroom at his home in Tampa, Shaun Gurd hosts "Unconcluded.". Jennifer Kesse was first reported missing on January 24, 2006. Drew Kesse believes, the markings on the hood, show signs of
