Melissa G. Moore has had a difficult journey in understanding her father’s dark past as a serial killer. Born to Keith Hunter Jesperson, also known as the “Happy Face Killer,” Melissa grew up without knowing the terrible truth about her father. The new series “Happy Face,” based on her podcast of the same name, will air on Paramount+ starting March 20, and portrays her complex relationship with Jesperson.
When Melissa was just 16, her life changed forever after learning that her father had been arrested for murder. Memories of happy times, like camping trips and riding ATVs on their family farm in Washington, became stained with horror. Jesperson’s killing spree began in 1990, shortly after his divorce from Melissa’s mother, Rose Hucke, during which he is believed to have killed at least eight women. It wasn’t until he murdered his girlfriend, Julie Winningham, that law enforcement linked Jesperson to the string of crimes. For Melissa, reconciling the image of her loving father with the reality of his actions was nearly impossible.
In a past interview, she reflected on her childhood memories, sharing that she could remember him playing and being affectionate. It was a stark contrast to the man he had become. Initially, she struggled to accept the truth, feeling as if it was all a fictional story. However, over time, she found a way to cope and has even turned her experiences into a mission to help families affected by similar situations. As she explained, “Though my father got a life sentence, I also got one,” signifying the lasting impact of his actions on her life.
Melissa grew up in a rural area with her two siblings and had what she considered an “average American family” upbringing, despite financial struggles. However, things changed when Rose began to suspect Jesperson of infidelity, which ultimately led to their separation and divorce. Following the split, Melissa and her siblings moved to Spokane, Washington, where they quickly learned that their father led a very different life while on the road as a truck driver.
Jesperson’s upbringing also played a role in shaping his actions. Born in Canada, his childhood was marked by a troubled background, and he exhibited concerning behaviors from a young age. After marrying Rose in 1975, they welcomed three children together, but their marriage was strained due to Jesperson’s distant behavior.
He committed his first known murder in 1990, the same year he divorced Rose. This act marked the beginning of his killing spree, during which he murdered eight women across several states. Eventually, Jesperson confessed his crimes to authorities, earning him the nickname “Happy Face Killer” after he signed his letters to the media with smiley faces.
As a child, Melissa remembered having a close relationship with her father, but as she grew older, she noticed unsettling behaviors. Incidents like the time she witnessed him torturing animals marked the beginning of her growing anxieties and feeling of walking on eggshells around him. Unbeknownst to her, Jesperson had already begun his crime spree when he visited his children after his divorce.
After Melissa’s last meeting with Jesperson before his arrest, her life took a sharp turn. Her mother later told her that their father had been arrested for murder, but details were scarce, leaving Melissa struggling with overwhelming emotions upon discovering her father’s true nature.
Since Jesperson’s imprisonment, Melissa faced the challenge of maintaining a relationship with him. Though she visited him during his trial, she ultimately decided to distance herself as she began her own family. A visit with her children to see their grandfather became a major regret after witnessing their fear in such an environment.
Now, Melissa’s focus is on providing support to families connected to notorious criminals. She has built a network of over 300 people and advocates for them as they sort through their grief and confusion. Her efforts have given her life purpose and direction.
Melissa has also authored a book sharing her experiences and has hosted shows that highlight the struggles of those connected with criminals. She works in television, including the series “Monster In My Family,” and continues to engage with audiences about her unique insights. The upcoming series “Happy Face” offers another opportunity to share her story and the challenges she faced growing up as the daughter of a serial killer.
