For more than 25 years, Jeanie’s case stayed unsolved. Investigators had fragments—a DNA profile appearing across key items, a set of bloody footprints—but not a name. Then, a new technology entered the picture with the potential to blow the whole case wide open. In Part 2, we follow the quiet breakthrough that put a suspect in focus, the messy, very human work of proving it, and the questions that still remain about privacy, power, and what “justice” really means for a grieving family.
Please be aware that today’s episode contains descriptions of violence. Please take care while listening.
A full transcript of this episode is available here.
Action Items Related to Today’s Episode:
As we prepared to share Jeanie’s story, we reached out to her mom, Betty. We told her about the action items we include at the end of each episode — and how Truer Crime is built on the belief that listening to true crime stories should lead to real-world support for the people most affected. These action items are meant to help our community stay engaged with the real lives and cases we cover, even after the episode ends.
So, we asked Betty: What do you want to leave the Truer Crime audience with as we close Jeanie’s story?
Her answer was clear: she wants young girls and children to be heard. She wants them to have the courage to speak up, and for the people around them to truly listen, especially in cases of sexual abuse and trauma. She wants young people to understand the importance of sharing their stories, and the consequences when those stories are silenced.
That message can be distilled into a simple but powerful call to action: listen.
Be someone others know they can talk to. Be a safe person. Community care starts with showing up, paying attention, and supporting one another in meaningful ways.
For a more tangible action item, we want to point you toward to Alexandra House, a nonprofit based in Blaine, Minnesota, near where Jeanie’s family lives. Alexandra House provides 24/7 services, advocacy, and shelter for victims of violence. Their support spans all ages — including youth and elder abuse services — and they even offer a pet haven, helping families in crisis care for their animals during difficult transitions.
If you’re looking for a way to honor Jeanie’s story, consider supporting Alexandra House by visiting alexandrahouse.org, or seek out a similar organization in your area. The work of healing is ongoing — and it starts with all of us.
Audio Used:
YouTube: The Footprint | Full Episode, uploaded by 48 Hours.
YouTube: Golden State Killer is Caught, uploaded by Idaho News on Demand.
YouTube: Golden State killer captured, uploaded by CBS 42.
Sources Used:
CBS News: Footprint to Murder, Timeline of the Case.
YouTube: The Footprint | Full Episode, uploaded by 48 Hours.
Fox 9: Minneapolis police make arrest in woman’s 1993 murder.
Minnesota Reformer: Crime fell in every major category in 2023, according to early data, by
Simplyforensic: Forensic Podiatry: Unlocking Clues One Footstep at a Time.
MPR News: Defense attorney disputes evidence against Jerry Westrom, by Matt Sepic.
Justia: State of Minnesota vs. Westrom.
MPR News: Hennepin jury convicts Jerry Westrom in cold case killing, by Matt Sepic.
