Her last Note I 20/20: The After Show

Key Concepts

• Jessie Blodgett: A 19-year-old college student and aspiring musician murdered in her home.
• Dan Bartelt: The perpetrator of Jessie Blodgett’s murder, a former acquaintance who had dated her in high school.
• Victim Impact Statement: A statement made by victims or their families during sentencing, detailing the impact of the crime.
• Interpersonal Violence: Violence between individuals, often involving emotional or psychological harm.
• Love is Greater than Hate Project: An organization founded by Jessie Blodgett’s father to promote forgiveness and end interpersonal violence.
• Forensic Evidence: Physical evidence used to link a suspect to a crime, in this case, found in a garbage bin.
• UPC Code: A unique identifier used to track products, utilized to trace a cereal box connected to the suspect.

The Murder of Jessie Blodgett: A Detailed Account

I. The Crime and Initial Discovery

On July 15th, 2013, Jessie Blodgett, a 19-year-old college student from Hartford, Wisconsin, was found murdered in her home by her mother. Jessie was between semesters, working as a piano teacher and participating in local theater. The initial discovery revealed marks around her neck, indicating strangulation. The scene was described as horrific, deeply impacting the small, tight-knit community of Hartford. The family no longer resides in the house where the murder occurred, but allowed access to the room for investigation and reporting. The 911 call from Jessie’s mother, filled with pain and desperation, was particularly harrowing.

II. The Investigation and Initial Suspect – Dan Bartelt

The investigation took a unique turn due to a seemingly unrelated incident that occurred days prior to Jessie’s murder. A woman named Melissa was attacked in a nearby park by a man with a knife. She fought back and managed to scare him away, noting the vehicle he was driving. Police initially dismissed Melissa’s account, but later connected the vehicle to Dan Bartelt after a police officer had previously noted the license plate. Bartelt was questioned about the park attack and initially claimed he was simply trying to instill fear in someone. However, during questioning while attending Jessie’s vigil, he volunteered information about Jessie being sexually assaulted – information not publicly known, immediately raising suspicion.

III. Forensic Evidence and the Turning Point

A crucial break in the case came from an unexpected source: garbage. Investigators searched trash bins at the park where Melissa was attacked, discovering a cereal box containing tape, antiseptic wipes with blood on them, and ropes – all linked to Bartelt. The cereal box’s UPC code led police to the grocery store where it was purchased, solidifying the connection. This stroke of luck provided the critical forensic evidence needed to build a case against Bartelt.

IV. The Relationship Between Jessie and Dan Bartelt

Jessie and Dan Bartelt had a history, having dated briefly in high school and remaining friends afterward. They shared a passion for music, writing and performing together. Friends described them as a talented pair, fortunate to have each other’s support. However, Bartelt harbored darker tendencies, evidenced by a book he was writing containing eerily similar plot points to Jessie’s murder, including characters named Jessica and Dee, and mirroring details of her parents’ professions. He was described as troubled and researching disturbing content online.

V. The Trial and Victim Impact Statement

Dan Bartelt was arrested and charged with first-degree intentional homicide, facing a potential life sentence without parole. During the trial, Bartelt’s girlfriend, Ashley, testified for the prosecution, revealing that Bartelt had lied about his job and behaved normally on the day of the murder, attending dinner and watching TV with her. A particularly poignant moment occurred during the sentencing when Jessie’s father, Buck Blodgett, delivered a victim impact statement and announced his forgiveness of Bartelt. This act of grace surprised many but was consistent with his character.

VI. The Aftermath and the “Love is Greater than Hate Project”

Following the tragedy, Jessie’s parents sought to honor her memory and prevent similar incidents. Buck Blodgett founded the “Love is Greater than Hate Project,” an organization dedicated to ending interpersonal violence and promoting forgiveness. The project aims to raise awareness, identify warning signs, and provide support to those affected by violence. The family’s desire to turn their pain into purpose was a central theme of the reporting.

VII. Community Impact and the Nature of Small-Town Crime

The murder deeply shook the small town of Hartford, Wisconsin. The community, characterized by its close-knit relationships and perceived safety, struggled to comprehend the violence. The case highlighted the vulnerability of even seemingly peaceful communities to such tragedies. The reporting emphasized the importance of recognizing warning signs and fostering open communication to prevent future incidents.

Notable Quotes:

• Deborah Roberts (regarding Jessie’s father’s forgiveness): “It’s so touching…that is the exact feeling I got when I interviewed him in Hartford, Wisconsin.”
• Stephanie Ramos (describing the community): “Everybody was shaken when they learned of this. They’re also trying to keep Jesse’s memory alive.”

Technical Terms:

• Intentional Homicide: The unlawful killing of another human being with malice aforethought.
• Victim Impact Statement: A statement presented to the court during sentencing, detailing the emotional, physical, and financial impact of the crime on the victim’s family.
• Forensic Evidence: Scientific evidence obtained from a crime scene to be used in court.

Conclusion:

The murder of Jessie Blodgett is a tragic story of betrayal, violence, and ultimately, forgiveness. The case highlights the importance of vigilance, the devastating impact of interpersonal violence, and the power of turning grief into purpose. The investigation’s reliance on forensic evidence and the unexpected discovery in a garbage bin underscore the often-unpredictable nature of criminal investigations. The establishment of the “Love is Greater than Hate Project” serves as a testament to Jessie’s memory and a beacon of hope for preventing future tragedies.