Happy Face Killer: 8 Women Dead, Daughter Traumatized – New TV Show Coming
Growing up with a notorious serial killer for a father is something that Melissa G. Moore knows all too well. Her father, Keith Jesperson, also known as the Happy Face killer, terrorized multiple states in the 1990s with his heinous crimes. Despite living under the same roof in Spokane, Washington, Moore didn’t realize the extent of her father’s dark side until she was a teenager.
When Jesperson was finally convicted and sent to prison, Moore distanced herself and even changed her name to protect her identity. It wasn’t until she had her own daughter that she decided to speak out about her family’s history. Her decision to share her story led to hundreds of heartfelt emails from other families of serial killers who thanked her for shedding light on their experiences.
Now, Moore’s story will be brought to life in the new Paramount+ Original Series called “Happy Face,” premiering on March 20. The show will focus on Melissa Reed, played by Annaleigh Ashford, as she navigates the repercussions of her father’s actions and grapples with the impact on the victims’ families. Dennis Quaid takes on the role of Keith Jesperson, showing the evolution of a man who transformed from a father into a monster.
In an interview with Deadline, Moore shared her motivation for sharing her story, emphasizing the need to shed light on the families affected by criminals. The eight-episode series, based on the Happy Face podcast and book, will dive into the complexities of identity, family, and the ripple effects of a serial killer’s actions. It will premiere with two episodes on March 20, followed by weekly drops leading up to the season finale on May 1.
Keith Hunter Jesperson, who earned the nickname ‘Happy Face Killer,’ was known for his chilling confessions scrawled with a smiley face. Despite being incarcerated since 1995, Jesperson’s legacy lives on through the deep impact he left on his victims’ families and his own daughter. Through Melissa G. Moore’s courageous decision to share her story, audiences will have a chance to explore the untold side of a notorious serial killer’s history.
