The “Pleased Face Killer” was one of the crucial disturbing serial killers of the 90s. Whereas he was arrested in 1995 and is serving a life sentence, the story of the killer has captivated true crime followers for years. After his 1995 arrest, he claimed to be liable for 160 murders, however solely eight have formally been linked to the Pleased Face Killer.
A variety of podcasts have coated the story of the Pleased Face Killer. There have additionally been films loosely primarily based on him and the murders. His daughter Melissa Moore additionally wrote the e-book Shattered Silence about her expertise rising up with a serial killer for a dad. Melissa’s story performs a component within the Paramount+ sequence Pleased Face. Be taught extra concerning the true story behind the Pleased Face Killer.
What Did the Pleased Face Killer Do?
The Pleased Face Killer has been linked to eight murders that befell between 1990 and 1995. He strangled most of his victims, a few of whom have been intercourse staff. It took years to establish a few of the victims, with the final one being recognized in October 2023, as Suzanne Kjellenberg, in keeping with CNN. The assassin was arrested in 1995 following the homicide of Julie Winningham. He was given three life sentences, and in January 2010, he acquired a fourth.
Why Was He Referred to as the “Pleased Face” Killer?
The killer was given his notorious nickname shortly after his first homicide of Taunja Bennet in 1990. After the information of Bennet’s dying, Laverne Pavlinac had falsely confessed to the homicide, claiming that her then-boyfriend John Sosnovske was accountable, per Folks. She had claimed that her relationship was abusive and noticed the confession as an opportunity to finish the connection. Following her confession, each she and her boyfriend have been convicted and spent 4 years in jail for the homicide.
In 1994, the killer wrote the letter, which earned him the nickname. It was a confession letter to The Oregonian newspaper, the place he detailed 5 murders, together with Bennet’s. He signed the letter with a drawing of a Pleased Face, thus incomes the nickname, per The New York Instances.
Who Is the Pleased Face Killer?
After his arrest, the Pleased Face Killer’s id was revealed to be Keith Hunter Jesperson. He had been married to Rose Hucke from 1975 to 1990, once they divorced. That they had 4 kids collectively, together with their eldest daughter Melissa, who was 10 once they cut up. Jesperson had labored as a trucker, and through certainly one of his journeys Rose left with the youngsters, suspecting that he was having an affair.
Who Is Taking part in the Pleased Face Killer within the New Present?

The sequence from Paramount+ will probably be primarily based on an iHeartMedia podcast Pleased Face, in addition to Moore’s e-book and her personal experiences. The present stars Annaleigh Ashford as Melissa, whereas Dennis Quaid performed Keith. It premiered on March 20, 2025.
Pleased Face Trailer