Twisted Obsession: The Murder of Jessica Heeringa

Explicit content warning

10/09/24 • 38 min

What if the ordinary places you visit every day could harbor unimaginable evil? On this episode, we uncover the haunting disappearance of Jessica Heringa, a young woman from Norton Shores, Michigan, whose routine shift at a convenience store in April 2013 took a sinister turn. Her chilling encounter with a suspicious customer, a lurking silver minivan, and the unsettling connections to the murder of Rebecca Bletch reveal a tapestry of terror that we never thought possible.
Prepare to be captivated as we recount how a tip led investigators to Jeffrey Thomas Willis, a seemingly unassuming man with a dark history, whose actions left a trail of fear and suspicion. Discover the bravery of a young girl who narrowly escaped his clutches and contemplate the haunting reality of predators hiding in plain sight. Through the lens of these shocking events, we also shine a light on the systemic issues and chilling patterns that put these vulnerable individuals at risk, urging us to question the safety of those labeled as runaways.
Join us as we explore the concealed truths in this web of crime, including the unsettling involvement of Willis's cousin, Kevin Bloom, and the theories of retired Lieutenant Michael Kasher, whose insights might provide a crucial piece to the puzzle. While we hope for Jessica's justice and Willis's permanent imprisonment, we invite you to reflect on these stories and reach out with your own. Share your eerie tales or suggest future cases for us to investigate. We look forward to hearing from you at [email protected] and featuring your stories in upcoming episodes.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Jessica_Heeringa
https://www.hollandsentinel.com/story/news/crime/2023/05/03/where-is-jessica-heeringa-ten-years-later-former-detective-thinks-he-knows/70170552007/
https://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/2018/05/jeffrey_willis_trial_tearful_w.html
https://www.fox17online.com/news/local-news/heeringa-missing-10-years-interrogation-tapes-reveal-connections-between-jeffrey-willis-and-his-victims#:~:text=According%20to%20information%20in%20audio%20and%20video%20recordings,he%20did%20not%20%22lead%22%20Willis%20to%20either%20victim.
Music:
Crime Trap by Muza Production
Dark Haunts by Tim Kulig

Gone in a Blink is created by Heather Hicks and Danielle E.
Written and produced by Heather Hicks and hosted by Danielle E. and Heather Hicks.
Gone in a Blink theme: Crime Trap created and produced by Muzaproduction
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Previous Episode

Unseen Evil: The Tragic Abduction of Hailey Owens

What if you witnessed a terrible crime and couldn't stop it? Join us as we recount the excruciatingly tragic case of 10-year-old Hailey Owens, whose life was brutally cut short on February 18, 2014. Hailey's abduction by Craig Wood, despite heroic efforts by eyewitnesses Carlos and Michelle Edwards, led to a frantic investigation and a heartbreaking conclusion. This episode takes you through the chilling timeline of that fateful day, the relentless hunt for her abductor, and the gut-wrenching discovery that left a community shattered.
We'll also explore Craig Michael Wood's troubling background and the shocking discrepancies that led to him working around children despite his dark inclinations. As we dissect the trial that ended in his death sentence, we also touch upon the arrest of Haley's stepfather for unrelated charges, casting an even darker shadow over this story. Hear about the community's emotional recovery, including the creation of Haley's Law and the dedication of Haley's Playground, as we honor Haley's memory and reflect on the enduring impact of her tragic story. Share your thoughts and personal stories with us, and join our discussion on this haunting case that continues to resonate deeply.
Credits:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Hailey_Owens
https://sgfcitizen.org/government/crime/murderer-of-hailey-owens-fights-death-sentence/
https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/crime/2019/02/10/hailey-owens-abduction-murder-springfield-missouri-5-years/2518034002/
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6512813/Stepfather-slain-girl-sentenced-prison-child-porn.html
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/slain-missouri-girl-in-heaven-with-angel-wings/
Music:
Crime Trap by Muza Production
Left for Dead by Shadows and Echoes
Super Deep Grief by Samuel F. Johanns
Aurora by Beat Waves

Next Episode

Predator in Plain Sight: The Disappearance of Na'Ziyah Harris

Could the heartbreaking disappearance of 13-year-old Na'Ziyah Harris have been prevented? This episode brings you into the distressing reality of a system that failed her, focusing on how a 41-year-old man named Jarvis Butts preyed on her innocence. Before the police even stepped in, it was the Detroit Public Schools Community District leading the charge, revealing shocking gaps in the procedures for handling missing persons cases. We dissect these events to shine a light on the urgent need for systemic change and community action in safeguarding our children.
As we navigate the harrowing details of Na'Ziyah's case, Wayne County Prosecutor Kim Worthy works to unravel the predatory behaviors of Jarvis Butts. With chilling insight, we explore the signs of grooming and the deceptive nature of these predators. We'll break down how seemingly innocent behaviors can mask sinister intentions, urging families to recognize and act on red flags such as secrecy and inappropriate relationships. In today's digital age, where online interactions can become breeding grounds for exploitation, knowledge and vigilance are our strongest defenses.
Throughout this episode, we remind our listeners of the power of community involvement. From the crucial role of public awareness campaigns to actionable steps individuals can take, we emphasize the collective responsibility to protect our children and bring attention to missing persons cases. We invite you, our engaged audience, to stay informed, share insights, and help us spotlight future issues by reaching out with your suggestions and reviews. Together, let's amplify the voices of those who cannot speak for themselves and strive to prevent tragedies like Na'Ziyah's from reoccurring.
Sources:
https://disappearedblog.com/the-disappearance-of-naziyah-harris/
https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2024/09/26/groomer-pedophile-charged-in-death-of-13-year-old-detroit-girl-last-seen-in-january/
https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/prosecutors-provide-update-naziyah-harris-case/

https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/wayne-county/2024/09/27/detroit-man-remanded-to-jail-for-death-of-naziyah-harris-13/75395890007/
https://www.fox2detroit.com/news/missing-naziyah-harris-loved-ones-protest-outside-court-house-for-answers
https://www.abuseclaimsuk.co.uk/knowledge-hub/spotting-the-warning-signs-of-child-grooming/
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