It Takes a Killer Season 1 Episode 28 The Happy Face Killer

The Happy Face Killer is the 28th episode of season 1 of the true crime series It Takes a Killer. The episode delves into the disturbing case of American serial killer Keith Jesperson, also known as the Happy Face Killer, who was active in the early 1990s.

Jesperson's killings were primarily motivated by his need for attention and recognition, which is evident from the happy face drawings he left behind at the crime scene. The episode takes us on a journey from Jesperson's early life, where he was subjected to physical abuse by his father, to his arrest and eventual conviction.

Jesperson's first known murder was that of his girlfriend, Julie Ann Winningham, in 1990. Jesperson killed her after a fight, and then went on to dump her body in a remote location. The authorities, at first, were unable to link the killing to Jesperson.

However, that changed when Jesperson started writing letters to various media outlets, claiming responsibility for the murder. He also started signing his letters with a smiley face, which eventually led to him being dubbed the "Happy Face Killer" by the media.

The episode explores the meticulous investigations carried out by the authorities, led by Detective Sergeant Terry McClannahan, to capture Jesperson. McClannahan's pursuit of Jesperson ultimately led to him being apprehended in 1995. Jesperson was convicted of murdering eight women, although he claimed to have killed as many as 160 people.

The episode also takes a closer look at Jesperson's behavior and psychology, highlighting his manipulation and sociopathic tendencies. Jesperson was a truck driver, which enabled him to move around the country and make it difficult for authorities to track him down. However, his constant need for attention ultimately led to him being caught.

The show includes interviews with law enforcement officials, as well as friends and family members of Jesperson, to provide a deeper understanding of the killer's motive and behavior. These interviews are interspersed with dramatic recreations of key events in Jesperson's life.

Overall, the Happy Face Killer is a chilling episode that showcases the disturbing nature of serial killers and the intricate work of law enforcement officials to bring them to justice. Through the detailing of Jesperson's life, the episode paints a picture of a man who was ultimately driven solely by his need for attention, tragically leading to the loss of multiple lives.