Chris's Crime Forum

Event Marking Anniversary Of Jennifer Kesse’s Disappearance Planned

ORLANDO -- A community event is planned for Jan. 24 to mark the three year anniversary of the disappearance of Jennifer Kesse.

Kesse was 24 when she vanished back in January 2006 near her condominium at the Mosaic at Millenia complex.

Investigators had few clues to go on and made no arrests.

The Jennifer Kesse Beacon Of Hope Event for the Missing will include fingerprinting and videotaping of children at the sheriff's office.

It will be held at the Mall at Millenia on Jan. 24 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.

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Inmate says he has clues about missing woman..???

NEW YORK (CNN) -- For three years, family, friends and her college sorority sisters have been looking for Jennifer Kesse, wondering what happened to her.
Last week, on the third anniversary of Kesse's disappearance, an inmate in a Florida prison said he might have the answer.

David Russ, a convicted killer being held at the Seminole County Jail, spoke last week with the missing woman's father, Drew Kesse, claiming he had information that could lead to a break in the case.

Details are being withheld from the public. In a jailhouse phone call with CNN, Russ hinted he'd eavesdropped on other inmates. He also was outspoken about his skepticism toward investigators.

"The investigators have messed this case up from the beginning and cannot be trusted," he said. That's why he asked to speak directly with the missing woman's father, he said.

Orlando police are just as skeptical of Russ. They said he provided information they already had.

"His information is not some big break in the case," said Sgt. Barbara Jones of the Orlando Police Department. "We are still hoping for new tips that could lead us to finding Jennifer Kesse."

The 24-year-old financial adviser was just back from a Caribbean vacation with her boyfriend and was getting back into her routine. She went to work at her new job, came home to her new condominium and called her parents. Watch an update on the case »

At 10 p.m., she called her boyfriend, who lived in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Then, her family believes, she went to bed.

The next morning, she got up and showered for work. Her clothes were neatly laid out on her bed, her family says, suggesting she may have tried on a few outfits before deciding what to wear to the office. Then, she disappeared, her family said.

She did not show up for work that Tuesday morning and her employer reported her missing.

Police found Kesse's Chevy Malibu two days later. It was parked in a gated lot about one mile down the road from the condominium complex where she lived. Inside the vehicle, police found some of Kesse's personal items, but her purse, wallet, two cell phones and briefcase were missing. The car doors were locked and the car keys were not found.

Police later released a video surveillance tape of the car being parked in the lot by someone other than Kesse.

The grainy video partially shows a person walking away from the car, past a parking lot gate. Police are uncertain if this person of interest is a man or a woman, because the image is partially obscured by the gate.

The person is described as 5 feet 4 inches, with a short haircut, wearing light-colored clothes and dark shoes. The video is time and date-stamped at noon on the day Kesse disappeared.

Forensic tests on the vehicle came back inconclusive, Sgt. Jones said. No blood or other trace evidence was found to show that Kesse had been injured in the vehicle.

Drew Kesse said that every Tuesday, landscapers worked at the condo complex near his daughter's parking space. The landscapers said they didn't see Kesse leaving her apartment and getting into her car, which she did every weekday morning between 7:30 and 7:45 a.m.

"The only theory we could come up with is that she walked out her front door and was kidnapped somewhere between her front door and the parking lot where her car was. We think since the landscapers didn't see her, she must not have even made it out of the hallways or stairwells of the condo complex," Drew Kesse said.

He added that there weren't any surveillance cameras in the hallways or stairwells at the time his daughter was living there.

Sgt. Jones said investigators have developed forensic evidence from Kesse's car that could someday match with a person of interest and identify a suspect. Police have also released a photo of a green clover tattoo on Kesse's left hip.

Anyone with information leading to Jennifer Kesse or the person responsible for her disappearance is asked to call the tip line at 1-800-423-TIPS. The reward is $10,000. Kesse would be 26 years old and has blonde hair, green eyes, is 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs 125 pounds.
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Man claims to be serial killer, murderer of Jennifer Kesse

A video has emerged online of a man claiming to be a serial killer, who wants to lead his viewers to the body of Jennifer Kesse. Kesse vanished in 2006 at the age of 26, and was last seen leaving her condo at the Mosaic in the Millenia area.

So far, the only clue to her disappearance is the discovery of her car in a nearby apartment parking lot, and some grainy video of an unidentified person dropping it off. But a man in a video linked to Jennifer Kesse's YouTube page claims to know where she is.

"I've decided to confess a few things," intones a digitally distorted voice.

The man, whose face is also blurred, calls himself the "catch me killer," and invites all viewers to play his "game." He says he's killed 16 people, that Jennifer Kesse is one of them, and that he'll offer clues to finding the bodies one by one.

Jennifer's father Drew Kesse is furious, and issued the "catch me killer" an online challenge. "I said he was a coward, he was a punk, he had no guts, and if he really is the person, he needs to come forward and do something," states Kesse.

And apparently, the mystery man did do something...apologize. Kesse says the so-called "catch me killer" has just placed a call to the media admitting the video was a hoax and saying he was sorry. But sorry doesn't cut it, says Kesse. "Unfortunately, the wheels of justice have started, and he should've never started his game," he says.

Kesse wants the man prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

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ORLANDO -- In Orange County, a forum was held Wednesday that focused on helping crime victims.

The fifth annual Advocates Working Together for Victims was held at the Orange County Sheriff's Office and featured people tied to some of Orange County's highest profile crimes over the past few years.

Organizers say the forum is meant to give victims a voice, and they hoped it would generate discussion of violent crimes and its effect on victims.

Participants received an outline of what happens from the crime to the courtroom. They heard from 911 operators, deputies, detectives, the medical examiner's office, prosecutors and judges.

One of the panelists was Brendon Ganguzza's wife, Nicole Ganguzza, was a 26-year-old student at the University of Central Florida. Police said Nicole was raped and killed last year while jogging in Blanchard Park.

Also at the forum was Joyce Kesse, whose daughter, Jennifer Kesse, has been missing for over three years. She disappeared from her condo near the Mall at Millennia. Jennifer's car was found a few days later, just a mile from her apartment. Surveillance video showed someone parking the car.

"He sat in the car, I believe, for 31 seconds. Got out, never looked back, and that person is just as vanished as Jennifer is," said Joyce Kesse.

Authorities still looking for that suspect.

Kesse passed out cards with Jennifer's photo and description, hoping to generate any leads.

If you have any information about either the Kesse or Ganguzza case, call CrimeLine at (800) 423-TIPS.

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Detectives Find Possible Link To Jennifer Kesse Case

ORLANDO, Fla. -- The mystery surrounding the disappearance of Jennifer Kesse has haunted her parents and detectives for more than three years.

Investigators are taking a close look at James Hataway who is a prime suspect in the disappearance of Tracy Ocasio. Hataway may be linked to as many as six cases in the area including 27-year-old Ocasio who disappeared last week on May 27.
Eyewitness News talked to the Kesses and Orlando detectives, looking into the Ocasio case. Jennifer's parents think there are similarities in the cases.

They say Jennifer worked in Ocoee where Hataway lives and she also frequented Metro West where Tracy Ocasio was last seen alive.

James Hataway, 28, who is the focus of investigators in two disappearances and possibly four assaults, is 5 feet 10 inches tall and police say he could be the man who was captured by a surveillance camera walking away from Jennifer Kesse's car three and a half years ago.

The suspect seen on this surveillance video was estimated to be inches shorter, but that's not stopping Orlando Police Department's full-time Kesse detective from investigating a possible connection.

"I would say there's some leeway there 5'5 to 5'11. We're not going to be held to these measurements. Our person could be taller than 5'5," said Orlando Detective Joel Wright.

Drew and Joyce Kesse had already planned to meet with Orlando police Thursday, before they ever heard Hataway's name. However, they said they are focused on figuring out a possible connection.

Jennifer used to go to the Tap Room in Metro West, where police believe Ocasio was last seen alive with Hataway.

"That is Jennifer's old neighborhood. She lived next door to the Tap Room there," said Drew Kesse.

"She worked in Ocoee for four years," said Joyce Kesse.

Hataway has willingly given Ocoee detectives a DNA sample. He admits to being in Tracy Ocasio's car, but says it was long before she disappeared.

If investigators find Tracy, his DNA would be very helpful in figuring out whether he was involved in her disappearance.

Orlando police don't believe they have enough of a DNA sample in the Kesse case to get any match.

"We've had ups and downs before," said Joyce.

Ocoee police are getting help from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement in the case. They are using sonar to search areas that are known dumping grounds and are planning to use dive team to aide in the search.


SUSPECT IN MISSING WOMAN CASE MAY BE TIED TO 5 OTHERS

Eyewitness News learned that one more person has come forward Wednesday, claiming James Hataway attacked her.

Ocoee police arrested James Hataway (read booking history) late Monday night, who they say was the last person to see missing 27-year-old Tracy Ocasio on May 27 after a Magic game. He has been named the prime suspect in her disappearance.

Ocoee police have linked a total of six possible victims to James Hataway, including Ocasio.
The sixth alleged victim came forward Wednesday and told investigators she had been roughed up by him.

"This Jimmy has a preponderance to do violence, he snaps, he gets angry, it's always a woman, ride home, end up alone," said Sgt. Mike Bryant, Ocoee Police Department.

A Casselberry woman told Eyewitness News Tuesday that Hataway tried to kill her last August. Ocoee wants Seminole County investigators to increase the charges in that case from battery to at least aggravated battery or attempted murder.

"We're hoping Seminole County will step up their charges to keep Jimmy in jail while we continue to look for Tracey," said Sgt. Bryant.

As days go by and more of James Hataway's past comes out, Ocasio's parents are in disbelief that he was ever on the streets.

"Incredible that he's involved in so many suspicious disappearances," said Joe Ocasio, Tracy's Father.

Ocoee police say they are getting dozens of leads and looking for more possible victims. They do know Hataway worked clearing shore lines and dumping debris illegally.

"He's very familiar with going out into open land at night and not getting caught dumping land debris and waste, that's a concern oh yeah," said Bryant.

Eyewitness News learned more about James Hataway. The 28-year-old lived with his father in Ocoee. He also worked with his father dredging ponds.

From 1993 to 1998, Hataway was in and out of juvenile hall. He has an extensive record of drugs, DUI and traffic violations.

Crime line has put up a $5,000 reward for information that leads to Tracy Ocasio's whereabouts. Police have Ocasio's car and they are going through it, looking for clues.

At a hearing Tuesday, Judge Heather Higbee revoked Hataway's bond on an earlier case of criminal mischief and he is being held on no Bond. However, a bond of $500 was granted on a current misdemeanor charge, but Hataway remains in the Orange County jail.
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Man In Missing Woman Case Faces New Charges


The prime suspect (Hataway) in an Ocoee woman's disappearance could be charged in another case out of Seminole County Friday. Police say James Hataway, 28, may be linked to as many as six cases in the area.
A Casselberry woman came forward earlier in the week after she learned Hataway was a suspect in Tracy Ocasio's disappearance.
She told Eyewitness News that Hataway tried to kill her when she gave him a ride home last August.

Seminole County detectives say her case is their top priority and they may file charges Friday or early next week.

wonder how many more women will come forward!

I'm also wondering if that POI..matches the discription of the person that was seen in the videos??..(Jennifer kesse)

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Police Say Hataway Interested In 'Dark Arts'
Person Of Interest In Ocasio Disappearance Interested In Cannibalism, Vampires, Murder

OCOEE, Fla. -- Police said they learned on Thursday that the only person of interest in the case of missing woman Tracy Ocasio has expressed interest in things like serial murders, vampires and cannibalism.

Ocasio's parents said the news was very eerie. They said they believe that the more things that are found out about James Hataway when he lived in a nearby house with his father, the more clues detectives have as to what may have happened to their daughter.

Ocasio's mother, Elizabeth, reacted to what detectives found in the Ocoee home where Hataway lived with his father.

"Who wants to think about what happened to their child, really," Elizabeth Ocasio said.

Ocoee detectives seized two computers from the house and stacks of CDs. Police said Hataway has extensive interest in murder, suicide, cannibalism, vampires and serial killers.

Investigators also removed items having to do with the dark arts -- generally associated with Satanism and witchcraft.

"He presents himself one way, but that's not him," Elizabeth Ocasio said.

Detectives said they will be going back and looking at all of the Web sites Hataway visited to see if they provide any clues to Tracy Ocasio's disappearance.

One of Hataway's old friends told WESH 2 News that he was known for telling people that he would "make them disappear."

Elizabeth Ocasio said Hataway is capable of anything, and she's not ruling out that he may know what happened to missing University of Central Florida student Jennifer Kesse.

"If they found more than one body with my daughter, it would not surprise me," Elizabeth Ocasio said. "I would be upset, but I wouldn't be shocked or surprised or anything."

After detectives left the home Thursday night, Texas Equusearch members arrived to see of they could find anything in the wooded area near the Hataway home.

Equusearch members said they plan on searching on horseback every day this week.

"We need people out there help us hunt for our daughter," Elizabeth Ocasio said.

Ocoee police said that in Hataway's old driver's license photo, he has fangs like a vampire. They would not release that photo.

In the next few days, they said they will be dissecting his computer's hard drives.

http://www.wesh.com/news/19792023/detail.html

BREAKING NEWS ON JENNIFER KESSE

Tip In Jennifer Kesse Case Leads To Ground Search
ORLANDO, Fla. -- A large area of ground was dug up in Orlando on Monday and cadaver dogs were brought in to help search as police acted on a tip in the Jennifer Kesse case.
The Orlando Police Department confirms that the search they conducted Monday at an open field along John Young Parkway and Millenia Boulevard (see map) is related to the missing Orlando woman.

According to Orlando police, "an independent search group identified an area in a field at JYP and Millenia Blvd using ground penetrating radar followed up by k-9 units. The group contacted the lead detective in the Jennifer Kesse case. Today at approximately 1:30pm detectives along with FDLE and waste water responded to do a follow up of the information. An investigative dig was conducted that was met with negative result. The investigation is ongoing."

The location is not far from the condos where Jennifer Kesse lived (see map showing both locations).

Kesse was 25 years old when she disappeared from her Mosaic Millenia condo in Orlando in January 2006. Police later found her car at an apartment complex a mile from her home. Surveillance video captured someone walking away from the car, but investigators have been unable to identify that person.

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