Riverside, California – Authorities in Riverside County, California, have launched a nationwide effort to identify the last unknown victim of the notorious serial killer, Keith Jesperson, also known as the “Happy Face Killer.” The woman was murdered in 1992, and despite Jesperson’s conviction, her identity remains a mystery.
The Riverside County District Attorney, Mike Hestrin, stated that their primary goal is to provide closure to the victim’s family by identifying her. Recent advances in DNA technology and potential tips from the public have given investigators hope that they can finally uncover her name.
Jesperson, a long-haul trucker, admitted to meeting the woman, known as “Claudia,” at a brake check area near Victorville, California. He confessed to a violent altercation over money that led to her murder in his truck. He then disposed of her body in Blythe, California. Despite these details, authorities still do not know if “Claudia” is her real name.
Forensic genealogists and investigators have traced the woman to a now-deceased father from Cameron County, Texas, who traveled extensively. Despite identifying half-siblings, none were aware of the victim, as none were biological matches to her mother. Her mother may have had ties to Louisiana or Texas, adding to the complexity of the investigation.
Jesperson’s killing spree lasted from 1990-1995, during which he claimed to have killed women in five states, including Washington, California, Florida, Wyoming, and Oregon. He earned the nickname the “Happy Face Killer” for drawing smiley faces on letters where he bragged about his crimes. Jesperson was convicted of the victim’s murder in 2010 and sentenced to 15 years to life.
The unidentified woman’s body was discovered on August 30, 1992, along Highway 95 near Blythe, California. With the help of the public and advancements in DNA technology, authorities are hopeful that they can finally uncover the victim’s identity and provide closure for her family.