A new true-crime docuseries on Hulu explores the Jodi Huisentruit case, highlighting a tip from a friend of Jodi’s. That tip led to a 2024 police search in Winsted, Minnesota. The friend contacted Mason City Police after viewing a 2022 episode of “20/20” about the the abduction of the 27-year-old Mason City, Iowa, news anchor.
This was not the first time Jodi’s friend had come forward.
The woman also had shared her suspicions in a conversation with FindJodi Inc.’s co-founder, Gary Peterson 18 years ago. Gary has been mistakenly identified in recent media reports that he was a private investigator. Gary’s 2007 notes indicate the friend told him she had previously reported her concerns to Mason City Police. Gary passed away in 2023.
Notes from Gary Peterson’s phone call with tipster back on June 22, 2007.
As FindJodi reported last November, the Winsted search yielded no human remains. A docuseries camera crew followed Mason City Police during the search, and their video is included in the Hulu 3-part series that was released on July 15.
Sgt. Terrance Prochaska, the lead MCPD investigator on Jodi’s case, revealed several pieces of information in the docuseries, to clear up misinformation.
Sgt. Prochaska said there was no palm print found on Jodi’s car, as it has often been reported. But he did say one was found on a light pole nearby. And he emphasized no blood was found on the palm print or anywhere at the crime scene.
The investigator debunked speculation an officer might have left a toilet seat up in Jodi’s apartment. Sgt. Prochaska said the seat was up when a responding officer showed up to check on Jodi after she didn’t make it to work at KIMT-TV on June 27, 1995.
The investigator also said no DNA had been obtained from the scene or Jodi’s apartment and indicated they have some items they plan to test for DNA.
Jodi’s friends and former KIMT-TV co-workers gathered in Mason City on June 27 to honor Jodi on the 30th anniversary of her abduction on her way to anchor the morning news. They also appealed for anyone with information on Jodi’s case to come forward.
If you know anything about what happened to Jodi, call the Mason City Police Department at (641) 421-3636 or email Iowa DCI Special Agent Ryan Herman at rherman@dps.state.ia.us. You can also reach out to FindJodi, Inc anonymously.
30 years. It’s time.
