It has been exactly 30 years since Jodi Huisentruit, the beloved Iowa news anchor, vanished from the parking lot of her Mason City apartment complex on June 27, 1995. Despite decades of relentless searching, countless tips, and the unwavering dedication of volunteers and law enforcement, the question remains unanswered: Where is Jodi Huisentruit? As the community and her loved ones mark this somber anniversary, new developments and a surge of renewed interest—including a major Hulu docuseries set to release this July—are keeping her case alive in the public consciousness.
Table of Contents
The Disappearance and Immediate Investigation
On the morning of June 27, 1995, Jodi Huisentruit overslept before her shift as the morning news anchor for KIMT-TV. She was running late and never made it to work. Her car and belongings were found scattered in the parking lot, with clear signs of a struggle. Drag marks and a bent car key suggested a hasty abduction. Neighbors reported hearing screams around the time she would have left for work, and a white Ford Econoline was spotted idling nearby. Despite an extensive search of the apartment complex, the nearby Winnebago River, and surrounding areas, no trace of Jodi was ever found.
The apartment complex lacked security cameras, and police found no eyewitnesses or blood at the scene. Over the years, law enforcement has followed up on thousands of tips, interviewed more than 1,000 people, and searched multiple locations—including a recent tip that led investigators to a construction site in Winsted, Minnesota. That search, like so many before it, yielded only animal bones and no human remains.
Key Developments and Ongoing Search Efforts
The investigation into Jodi Huisentruit’s disappearance has seen four police chiefs in Mason City, each inheriting a case that has grown colder with time. The current police chief, Jeff Brinkley, notes that tips still come in consistently throughout the year, with an uptick around the anniversary. Investigators remain committed to pursuing both new and old leads, no matter how long it takes.
In recent years, advances in technology and renewed public interest have injected new energy into the search. Private investigator Steve Ridge and his team have conducted searches using magnets, metal detectors, and other equipment, hoping to uncover any clue that might lead to a breakthrough. The nonprofit organization FindJodi.com, active since 2003, continues to advocate for answers and support the investigation.
A major development in the case came after a 2022 “20/20” episode titled “Gone at Dawn,” which prompted a tip from one of Jodi’s close friends. This led to a fresh review of evidence and the identification of new persons of interest. The upcoming Hulu docuseries, “Her Last Broadcast: The Abduction of Jodi Huisentruit,” will feature exclusive access to law enforcement and new leads, offering viewers an unprecedented look at the case.
Persons of Interest and Unresolved Leads
Several individuals have been scrutinized over the years, but no arrests have ever been made. John Vansice, a man 22 years older than Jodi, was one of the last people to see her alive. He claimed they spent time together the night before her disappearance and had watched videos from a birthday party he organized for her. Police maintained an interest in Vansice, and in 2017, investigators placed GPS trackers on vehicles associated with him and collected his DNA, fingerprints, and palm prints. Despite these efforts, no significant findings emerged. Vansice consistently denied any involvement and was never formally named as a suspect or charged. He died in December 2024.
Another individual recently reviewed by investigators is Christopher Revak, who had connections to other cases involving female victims. His first wife lived in Mason City at the time of Jodi’s disappearance, but she is not considered a suspect. Revak died by suicide in a Missouri jail in 2009 while facing murder charges for another woman’s death.
Despite these leads, the case remains unsolved. Police still possess evidence, including a palm print discovered on Jodi’s vehicle, but the identity of that individual remains unknown.
The Emotional Toll and Community Response
For those who knew Jodi Huisentruit, the pain of her disappearance lingers. Former colleagues, friends, and family continue to seek closure. Amy Kuns, the last person to speak with Jodi before she vanished, has spoken publicly about the trauma and the need for answers. Kuns held her own memorial for Jodi in the Winnebago River, using three red roses to symbolize the past, present, and future—hoping that someday, the truth will come to light.
The community gathers each year on the anniversary of Jodi’s disappearance to honor her memory and keep her case in the spotlight. FindJodi.com hosted a gathering in front of KIMT-TV on the 30th anniversary, drawing volunteers and supporters from across the country. The emotional toll of repeated dead ends weighs heavily on those closest to the case, but their determination remains unshaken.
The Future of the Investigation
As time passes, fewer people with direct knowledge of the case remain alive, making the search for answers even more urgent. Recent momentum, fueled by the upcoming docuseries and renewed media attention, has raised hopes that new evidence or a witness might finally break the case open. Law enforcement continues to review all leads, but Chief Brinkley emphasizes that any indictment or closure must be backed by probable cause and solid evidence.
The dedication of volunteers, investigators, and the community ensures that the question “Where is Jodi Huisentruit?” remains at the forefront. With each passing year, the hope for resolution endures, as does the commitment to never forget Jodi or the search for justice.
Key Points Summary
- Jodi Huisentruit disappeared on June 27, 1995, from Mason City, Iowa, and has not been found.
- Signs of a struggle were present at the scene, but no eyewitnesses or security footage exists.
- Thousands of tips have been investigated, with no arrests made.
- John Vansice, a key person of interest, died in 2024 without ever being charged.
- Christopher Revak, another person reviewed by police, died in 2009.
- A palm print on Jodi’s car remains unidentified.
- A new Hulu docuseries, “Her Last Broadcast: The Abduction of Jodi Huisentruit,” premieres July 15, 2025.
- FindJodi.com and volunteers continue to advocate for answers and support the investigation.
- The community gathers annually to honor Jodi and keep her case alive.
- Law enforcement remains committed to solving the case, reviewing new and old leads.
If you have any information about the disappearance of Jodi Huisentruit, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, please contact the Mason City Police Department or visit FindJodi.com. Your tip could be the missing piece that brings answers to Jodi’s family and friends after 30 years of uncertainty.