Contact the . But upon further investigation, police realized the cell tower data was misinterpreted, and she actually wasn't out that night. January 24, 2006, Jennifer didn't show up for work. Michael Torretta: What I'm thinking is Jennifer comes out. When they came up with no new leads, he made the unprecedented decision to finally release the files to the Kesses. The woman claimed that Chino often approached her in the parking lot late at night when she returned from work and made her feel uncomfortable. Despite being more than 200 miles away when Jennifer disappeared, Rob was suddenly a person of interest. Kesse went missing in 2006, and despite widespread media attention and extensive searches by police and the FBI, there has been no information regarding where she is or who might have been responsible. Peter Van Sant: Now you were the maintenance man there. The next morning, though, Jennifer waivered from her routine. Returning on Sunday, she stayed the night at her boyfriends home and then drove straight to work on Monday morning, January 23, 2006. Before we left, Chino even agreed to talk with the Kesse team. In all, the Orlando Police Department handed over more than 16,000 pages of documents and 67 hours of video and audio to the Kesses. | Become a News 6 Insider]. No one has seen or heard from her since. But she says once workers started living in empty apartments around the complex, she felt uneasy. Jennifer Kesse missing cold case remains unsolved 10 years after disappearance - Orlando Sentinel http://www.charleyproject.org/cases/._jennifer.html I saw it on Disappeared recently. She's locking the door and never sees it comin She probably was attacked immediately upon exiting. Read More: Where Are Jennifer Kesses Parents Now? Her parents have never stopped distributing thousands of flyers and begging anyone with information to come forward. Background: Jennifer Joyce Kesse was a finance graduate. We firmly believe the departments negligence and lack of competency cost Jennifer the chance to be found.. The case centers on Jennifer Kesse, who disappeared on January 24, 2006, when she didn't show up for work. Chino: I even did a lie detector test. It was as if someone had abducted her while she was leaving for work. As time went by, the Kesses felt abandoned by the Orlando Police Department. Sgt. Louis Bolden: At the time, we thought, "They want what? She had shoulder-length sandy blonde hair and green eyes. Detective Joel Wright was still trying to solve this confounding mystery. (Drew Kesse) ORLANDO, Fla. - Drew Kesse, whose daughter Jennifer Kesse has been missing since Jan. 24,. And that's what I'm doing. And you could sense that, and you can feel that . When Jennifer didn't come home after 48 hours, the police began investigating her whereabouts in earnest. Related There's nothing in there that indicates that there were problems at the Mosaic. Peter Van Sant: How often would you socialize with him? Chino was identified as a maintenance worker who had lived and worked in the same condo complex as Jennifer. It's just difficult not having her, you know, she's like my other half so [wipe away tears] I just miss talking to her. In 2008, Sgt. It was updated on July 10, 2021.]. The Kesses have dedicated their lives and weathered enormous financial hardship to finding the truth of what happened to their beautiful 24-year old daughter on that January morning in 2006. David Tronnes murder his wife Shanti Cooper? Again, the case stalled. Drew Kesse: I think they wanted to open the trunk in front of him to see his reaction if, in case Jennifer was in there. One of the people he interviewed on audiotape was a former housekeeper at Jennifer's complex. Jennifer's loved ones hope this report will convince someone to take the courageous step of coming forward with information that could solve this heartbreaking mystery. "I had one this morning from someone claiming they know who did this. We immediately started asking everybody walking around if they had seen anything. Because there were posters There were billboards. Det. It's actually a complex that's been known where stolen cars were -- would be recovered from. But, still, no one knew where Jennifer was. But there was still no sign of Jennifer, and at the time, the police concluded that there was no evidence of a struggle. She graduated in 2003 and immediately received several job offers, and she decided to take a position at Central Florida Investments Timeshare Company in Ocoee, Orange County, Florida. She was known for her bubbly personality and her very loyal and helpful nature. Peter Van Sant: Why is what the woman at the Mosaic told you important? The investigation into the disappearance of Jennifer Kesse more than 16 years ago has been given to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for a cold case review. Jennifer Kesse has not been seen since 2006. At the time Allen lived in Fort Lauderdale, three hours away from Orlando where Jennifer lived. Joel Wright | Orlando Police Department: It appeared that somebody was fighting over control of the car. Immediately, those who knew her knew something was terribly wrong. So, of course, every one of its episodes goes above and beyond to provide us with every bit of factual information surrounding a case to help us form our own opinions, and its episode entitled Where Is Jennifer Kesse? is no different. There was a belief that James Hataway, now in prison on a different abduction, could have been the suspect; he's about 5-10 (height) and the suspect on video is probably not much taller than 5-5, so ultimately little came of that. Roger Brennan [2008]: We're going through canvases of areas that she would travel or that she might be at. Sgt. (Drew Kesse) ORLANDO, Fla. - The family of Jennifer Kesse says they have the best opportunity to find the. When he showed her that security camera photo of the unidentified suspect, she gave him a possible new lead. Surveillance video caught an unidentified person getting out of her car after she went missing. In 2008, Detective Wright and Sergeant Brennan analyzed the surveillance tape with "48 Hours.". Peter Van Sant: Hey, how are ya? Joel Wright [2008] We know there was quite a bit of a renovation going on inside her complex. The U.S. Sun has reached out to Orlando Police for comment. Joel Wright [2008]: Now the clothing looks to be maybe someone who is a painter or some type of worker. At the time of her disappearance, Jennifer worked as a finance manager at Central Florida Investments Timeshare Company in Ocoee. But she's a little bit of a bathroom pig in the morning. Although he wasn't in charge during the initial investigation, he sympathizes with the Kesses. Chino: Believe me, if I did know anyone that was involved in that, the Kesse family would be knowing as well. In December, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement began a cold-case review of Jennifers disappearance to generate new leads. Drew Kesse: I'm like, "Come on! Jennifer Kesse, age 24, missing since 1/24/06. The average height for an American white man is 5'9 and a half. We know that it is the public that in most cases solves or helps Missing people be found. Before the case went cold, her car was found abandoned. Check out this great listen on Audible.com. Now, Drew and Joyce Kesse hope they will solve their missing daughter's case. Anyone with information or who would like to donate to search efforts may do so at Findjenniferkesse.com. "She had just bought her first condo with her own money," said Jennifer's father, Drew Kesse. " she was in love. Drew Kesse: We have to find her as quickly as possible because the more time that passes the less chance we have and the worse it's going to be. But to the Kesses' frustration, the person caught on that camera could not be identified. Whats more, Chino was already in police custody, serving time for a statutory rape charge. Herboyfriend had also tried to contact Kessethat morning, as they often spoke at thattime, but was unable to get in contact with her. I think it's a win-win for all. Then finding out that the lead detective on Jennifers case did not write a single report or any document since 2010, 12 years!! Drew Kesse: Chino should expect to hear from us. Det. Shortly after she vanished, Kesse's car was discovered parked around a mile from her home. Sgt. CBS 48 Hours first premiered on the network back on January 19, 1988. Originally the person's height was estimated to be between 5'3 and 5'5. Two days later, there was a breakthrough in the case when her black Chevy Malibu was located in the parking lot of a condo approximately one mile from her home. "They are feeding off the work my guys have done for the past few years. And in fact, weeks later he did. And the name Chino came up again -- that maintenance worker at Jennifer's complex. Roger Brennan [2008]: The Orange County Sheriff's office received a call about Jennifer's vehicle being in the Huntington on the Green condominiums approximately 1.1 miles away from her condominium. Peter Van Sant: What did you see the first time you walked in? And since then, it has managed to become televisions most popular true-crime series, investigating shocking cases and compelling real-life tales with authenticity and cutting-edge interviews to give us a complete look at a case. Influencivenews; . No one has heard from her since. But under the agreement, the Orlando Police Department would no longer lead the investigation. Roger Brennan [2008]: There was some vacuuming samples taken from each section of the vehicle that were subsequently sent off to the lab for evaluation. Michael Torretta: We all have kids that this could've happened to and as parents we need to help out each other. We want closure. January 18, 2012 at 5:12 pm EST. Jennifer Joyce Kesse seemed to have everything going for her. Jennifer Kesse Was Just 24 When She Went Missing. The disappearance of Jennifer Kesse has been exhaustively discussed in this sub, but here is a rundown of the basic facts of her case: . Joyce Kesse: A lot of your day laborers are, um, not here, uh, legally. [Takes a deep breath with tears in her eyes]. Joel Wright: There were an unbelievable amount of man hours went into this case. SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - The family of missing woman Jennifer Kesse marked the start of another year with no answers. However, the family has said as recently as 2022 that they are still working to get the complete unredacted file from the city. ORLANDO, Fla. The family of Jennifer Kesse says they have the best opportunity to find the missing woman now, 17 years after she disappeared from her Orlando condo complex. In January of 2006 she had just purchased a condo in Orlando, . And they said, "Well you ruined the crime scene." Anyone? Jennifer Kesse Disappears. Peter Van Sant: You opened the door and saw that? Its positive in that respect, we have met the new detective and are able to move forward. Copyright 2023 ClickOrlando.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. A A. Jennifer Kesse went missing nine years ago Saturday from her Orlando condominium, and now the police department has released an age-progressed photo of what the young woman would look like today, asking that it be circulated on social media. 3. Born on May 20, 1981, to Drew and Joyce Kesse, Jennifer Kesse was a graduate of the University of Central Florida in Orlando, from where she obtained a finance degree in 2003. / CBS News, [This story first aired on October 24, 2020. Drew Kesse: And we just wish that one person that knows something in Orlando would just finally say it. Based on this evidence, police investigators believed that she had left her home and, There was no sign of a struggle at her home, and no evidence that anyone other than Kesse had been in the condo on the morning of January 24. In 2009, Detective Wright decided to take a fresh look at the case. We asked the lawyers, 'Where's all the detectives work? And it came back that not a single thing had been written. "OK, call the hospitals again. Drew Kesse, who in the past has been vocal about what he feels are missteps by investigators, thanked the new team for their tireless efforts. A Crime Line tip had been received in the first week of the investigation. And they just look.". Peter Van Sant: And what did that tell you? Drew Kesse: We were probably on the road within 5 minutes. Is anyone feeling that the mom has strong narcissistic vibes, I worked on both cases. We have had things to do with the case needing to be worked on for about a year now, its just been about getting it to the right people who have the ability, knowledge, desire and experience to do it right. A couple said they saw it swerving out of her apartment complex at around 7:40 a.m. Det. Chino was then asked about the pictures -- the ones that the housekeeper said may have looked like him: DETECTIVE WRIGHT [2009 audio tape]: you know the photos that you looked at earlier the guy walking by the gate? Very strong willed and very sure of herself she knew what track she was gonna take and she knew how to get there. My heart is here. Jennifer Kesse, of Orlando, who went missing Jan. 24, 2006, at 24 years old. Norfolk Southern train derails in Springfield, Ohio, The Saturday Six: Dental device controversy, scientist's bug find and more, Trump speaks at CPAC after winning straw poll, 3 children killed, 2 others wounded at Texas home, Man charged for alleged involvement in 2 transformer explosions, Nikki Haley slams potential GOP contenders, and Trump and George W. Bush, Duo of 81-year-old women plan to see the world in 80 days, Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant to "take some time away" from the team after allegedly brandishing a gun in a club, Alex Murdaugh trial: What to know about the double murder case. After years went by with no breaks in the case, Jennifer's parents sued the Orlando Police Department to get Jennifer's case file and won. And also had people of different heights walk by. Nathan Gibson. They also couldn't count on getting any reliable forensic evidence from Jennifer's condo. Her Car Was Recovered Barely A Mile From Her Home - But No Trace Of Her Has Ever Been Found, The last information known about her whereabouts, wasshe, It soon became clear to her family and co-workers that, When her parents arrived at the condo, they discovered nothing was out of place. Lauren McCarthy: [emotional] seeing that tape of Jennifer's car that was probably the worst moment. Security footage installed at the complex captured an individual seen driving and parking Jennifer's car on day she went missing. Jennifers parents called the police immediately, but because of her age, they initially held off on any investigation. Her ex, recently upset and wishing to get back together with her, was cleared. Michael Torretta: When you talk about challenging investigations, this is the one. Chief Orlando Rolon: After the number of years that we have spent trying to solve Jennifer's disappearance, I think it was time to also honor the wishes of the family. Kesse was last seen at her workplace, Central Florida Investments, on Jan. 23, 2006. ", Peter Van Sant: Do you believe anyone realistically has been working this case in recent years?". Drew thinks it will be a "miracle" if his beloved daughter is found alive - yet with the help of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and his own team of private investigators, he remains hopeful. She and her boyfriend, Rob Allen had been together for over a year, and even though it was long-distance, they were making it work. The Kesses are dedicated to finding the truth about what happened to their daughter on the morning of January 24, 2006. She's dragged into the other apartment. But for the friends and family of 24 year old Jennifer Kesse, this city would become a symbo Then Torretta spoke to a woman who did not want to appear on camera. Getting along fine? Peter Van Sant: What's intriguing based on your investigation is the men that were in the apartment across from Jennifer's were putting down carpet that day. Kesse disappeared Jan. 24, 2006, after leaving her condo at the Mosaic at Millenia complex for work at Westgate Resorts. Joyce Kesse [2008]: She slept for sure. Lauren McCarthy: Jennifer is super funny, super witty person. Wright also re-interviewed another maintenance worker who had done repairs with Chino in Jennifer's condo. Two days after she disappeared, her car was found abandoned in a nearby apartment complex. When her parents arrived at the condo, they discovered nothing was out of place. It will be nine years this winter on the Kesse disappearance, and there haven't been any great leads yet. Jennifer Kesse, 24, disappeared from Orlando, Fla., on Jan. 24, 2006. In 2018, Orlando Rolon became the Orlando police chief. Based on this evidence, police investigators believed that she had left her home and was abducted, either on the walk to her car, or while she was traveling to work. Chief Rolon gave his investigators six months to work the case. Jennifer received three promotions in The distinct lack of evidence and leads in the investigation means no one is sure what happened to Kesse, even12 years afterher disappearance. (Florida Department of Law Enforcement). It wasn't hard to find Chino. We were very frantic. Colleen: I don't recall formally meeting her. It's OK. One of the first things he did was go back to the scene of the crime and speak to people who lived at Jennifer's complex. Joyce Kesse: We all along have felt that she was abducted in the morning. Rob had no idea that it would be the last time he would ever hear her voice. I had never heard of that happening. Roger Brennan [at the parking lot in 2008] Apparently this video, when it films, captures every two to three seconds as it's filming, so that's why you only see the subject on one side of the gate and then the opposite side of the gate and he's blocked by the posts on either side of the gate. Det. Det. The former University of Central Florida student had . By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. Dylan Eason and Isaiah Churchwell were convicted of murdering Cynthia William "Patrick" Alexander remains in prison for murder. They also said the familys team is working with state law enforcement in the continued search. Nancy Kramer is the executive story editor. A tip can be left anonymously. Kevin Harris was an aspiring hip-hop artist when he was gunned downoutside his recording studio in Los Angeles. Police say they did not believe Jennifer's case met the criteria for declaring her missing. There's a lot of information that could have been developed that I believe wasn't in the most critical hours of this investigation. I'm not with you " and a little insecurity. Orlando, Florida - Home of Mickey Mouse and sunny beach vacations, a city that 60 million people flock to every year whether it's for the theme parks or just the sun and heat that South Florida is kno. Orlando, Florida - Home of Mickey Mouse and sunny beach vacations, a city that 60 million people flock to every year whether it's for the theme parks or just the sun and heat that South Florida is known for. Jennifer was last heard from alive after she spoke on the phone with her boyfriend, Rob Allen, on the evening of January 23, 2006. It -- it wasn't a great feeling. She was the oldest of two children, and is said to have been best friends with her little brother, Logan. Jennifer Kesse, of Orlando, who went missing Jan. 24, 2006, at 24 years old. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. And I think she got up for work as she normally would. Photo: Wikimedia Commons. I can understand why they would feel that maybe an agency like ours has not delivered on what they would expect for an agency to do. And that's not all he learned. ORLANDO, Fla. - On a January evening in 2006, Jennifer Kesse chatted on the phone with her parents and boyfriend from inside her Orlando home before disappearing without a trace, stumping. And he says there is nothing in the files indicating that police ever spoke to them. Orlando, Florida - Home of Mickey Mouse and sunny beach vacations, a city that 60 million people flock to every year whether it's for the theme parks or just the sun and heat that South Florida is known for. Kesse was enjoying her job and had recently been on holiday with her boyfriend, seemingly having no personal problems that would force her into disappearing. It's busy, locks the door of her condo. Tronnes said she slipped and fell into the bathtub in a tragic accident, but detectives say he murdered her when she threatened to cut off the cash flow for his housing renovations. You don't recognize this figure? When questioned about the vehicle, several residents confirmed it had been parked there for several days. Joyce Kesse: Jenn shared every detail about the trip. Of course, she has her back to the apartment behind her. So, makeup, curling iron all that stuff all over the vanity wet shower, wet towel. Rob Allen, left, walks with an Orlando detective at the site where Jennifer Kesse's car was found. Chino [talking to a woman in his home]: Mi amor. Fifteen years have passed since Jennifer Kesse vanished -- years of anguish for her family and friends, but they are determined to keep Jennifer's story alive. She spoke with her boyfriend, Rob Allen, on the phone around 10 pm that night. July 10, 2021 / 11:06 PM 2023 Cox Media Group. "I just need to know my daughter has been found, for good or bad. Roger Brennan [2008]: As we were driving around the area around her complex, we were trying to identify different areas that her vehicle may have been seen. A week before she was last seen, Kessehad also visited the Virgin Islands with her boyfriend. Drew Kesse: Joyce used to complain to me, she's like, "call them. A Crucial Discovery Kesse Family Two days after Jennifer Kesse went missing, her black. The FBI took over Jennifers case in mid-2010, putting her on their Most Wanted/Missing List, where she still remains.