The After Show: Her Last Note

Her Last Note: A Detailed Summary of the 2020 Episode & After Show

Key Concepts:

• Jesse Blahett: 19-year-old murder victim, aspiring musician and actress.
• Dan Bartel: Jesse Blahett’s former boyfriend and eventual murderer.
• Interpersonal Violence: The focus of Jesse’s father’s post-tragedy advocacy.
• Victim Impact Statement: Buck Blahett’s surprising act of forgiveness towards his daughter’s killer.
• Forensic Evidence: The crucial role of garbage bin evidence in securing Bartel’s conviction.
• Love is Greater than Hate Project: The organization founded by Jesse’s father to promote forgiveness and prevent interpersonal violence.

I. The Tragedy: Jesse Blahett’s Murder

The episode and after-show focus on the 2013 murder of 19-year-old Jesse Blahett in Hartford, Wisconsin. On July 15th, 2013, Jesse’s mother discovered her daughter unresponsive in her bedroom, exhibiting marks around her neck indicative of strangulation. The initial 911 call, described as “awful” and “heartbreaking,” captured the mother’s desperation and realization of her daughter’s death. The community was deeply shaken by the murder, as Jesse was a well-liked and promising young woman – a college student, piano teacher, and active member of the local theater group. The location of the murder, within her own home, amplified the horror. The case is particularly poignant due to the perpetrator being someone close to Jesse, “hiding in plain sight.”

II. The Initial Investigation & The Park Attack

The investigation gained momentum following a seemingly unrelated incident days prior to Jesse’s murder. Melissa, a woman walking her dog in a nearby park, was attacked by a man matching Dan Bartel’s description wielding a knife. Melissa bravely fought back, even obtaining possession of the knife, and the assailant fled. Initially, police were skeptical of Melissa’s account, but the incident became crucial when a police officer recalled seeing Bartel’s vehicle parked in the park weeks earlier. This led to Bartel being questioned. A key detail emerged during questioning: Bartel, while mourning with Jesse’s family at a vigil, casually mentioned Jesse had been “sexually assaulted” – information not publicly known, immediately raising suspicion.

III. Forensic Breakthrough: The Garbage Bin Evidence

A stroke of luck proved pivotal in the investigation. Police retraced Bartel’s steps, focusing on the park where Melissa was attacked. Crucially, the park’s trash bins hadn’t been emptied as scheduled. A search of the bins revealed a cereal box containing blood-stained antiseptic wipes, rope, and tape – all linked to Jesse’s murder. The UPC code on the cereal box led investigators to the grocery store where Bartel purchased it, solidifying the connection. This discovery provided substantial forensic evidence against Bartel.

IV. The Relationship Between Jesse and Dan Bartel

Jesse and Dan Bartel had a history, having dated briefly in high school but remaining close friends afterward. They shared a passion for music, writing and performing together. Friends described them as a talented duo, fortunate to have each other’s support. However, beneath the surface, Bartel harbored troubled thoughts and a dark imagination. A friend of Jesse’s revealed Bartel was writing a book with eerie parallels to Jesse’s murder, featuring characters with similar backgrounds and a disturbing storyline. This revealed a disturbing, hidden side to Bartel’s feelings towards Jesse.

V. The Trial & Victim Impact Statement

Dan Bartel was arrested and charged with first-degree intentional homicide, facing a potential life sentence without parole. During the trial, Bartel’s girlfriend, Ashley, testified for the prosecution, revealing that Bartel had lied about his employment and behaved normally on the day of the murder, despite having committed a violent act. The most striking moment of the trial came during the victim impact statement delivered by Jesse’s father, Buck Blahett. To the surprise of many, Buck Blahett announced his forgiveness of Dan Bartel, explaining a need to move forward and not be consumed by anger. Deborah Roberts noted this wasn’t entirely unexpected, given Buck’s character.

VI. Legacy & The Love is Greater than Hate Project

Following the trial and conviction, Jesse’s parents channeled their grief into a positive outlet. Buck Blahett founded the “Love is Greater than Hate Project,” dedicated to ending interpersonal violence and promoting forgiveness. The project aims to raise awareness, prevent future tragedies, and offer support to those affected by violence. The organization serves as a lasting tribute to Jesse’s memory and a beacon of hope for a more peaceful future.

Notable Quotes:

• Stephanie Ramos: “This is a story that take you through these twists and turns and and I also get to meet so many people that are that are involved with this that have lived this and were able it's it's it's an honor to be able to tell their story.”
• Deborah Roberts: “It’s gut-wrenching. And as a mom, you have to say this is horrific.”
• Stephanie Ramos: “He was welcomed into their home on a regular basis… such betrayal.”

Technical Terms:

• First-degree intentional homicide: A legal term for premeditated murder.
• Victim Impact Statement: A statement made during sentencing allowing victims or their families to describe the impact of the crime.
• UPC Code: Universal Product Code, a barcode used to identify products.
• Forensic Evidence: Evidence obtained through scientific methods used in court.

Logical Connections:

The narrative progresses logically from the initial tragedy to the investigation, highlighting the key pieces of evidence and the unraveling of Bartel’s deception. The exploration of the relationship between Jesse and Bartel provides context for the motive, while the trial and victim impact statement offer a sense of closure and a message of hope. The concluding section emphasizes the positive legacy created in Jesse’s memory.

Data & Statistics:

While no specific statistics were provided, the case highlights the prevalence of interpersonal violence and the devastating impact it has on individuals and communities.

Conclusion:

The story of Jesse Blahett’s murder is a harrowing tale of betrayal, violence, and ultimately, forgiveness. The investigation’s success hinged on a combination of diligent police work, a stroke of luck with the garbage bin evidence, and the courage of witnesses. The case serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers that can exist within seemingly ordinary communities and the importance of addressing interpersonal violence. Buck Blahett’s act of forgiveness and the creation of the “Love is Greater than Hate Project” offer a powerful message of hope and resilience in the face of unimaginable loss.