- Jodi Huisentruit vanished on June 27, 1995, while on her way to anchor the news at KIMT-TV in Mason City, Iowa.
- Her family continues to urge the public to come forward with any information.
- On March 27, 2025, a court partially unsealed a 2017 search warrant tied to person of interest John Vansice.
- The case remains open and active; a $100,000 reward is still offered.
It’s been thirty years since young news anchor Jodi Huisentruit vanished in Mason City, Iowa. The cold case remains unsolved, but the determination of her family and supporters has not wavered.
The Family’s Appeal for Answers
On this solemn anniversary, Jodi’s family shared a statement through FindJodi, expressing their grief and ongoing hope for resolution.
“We implore you – if you know something, SAY something. Help us finally bring Jodi home.”
The family thanked law enforcement, friends, journalists, and strangers who have helped keep Jodi’s story alive for three decades. Despite the pain, they remain committed to seeking justice.
The Morning She Vanished
On June 27, 1995, Jodi overslept and missed her early-morning call time at KIMT-TV. When police checked her apartment, they found her car in the parking lot and items scattered nearby—shoes, a bent key, and drag marks—evidence of a struggle.
New Developments: Court Unseals 2017 Warrant
In a significant development, a Cerro Gordo County judge has ruled to partially unseal a 2017 search warrant connected to the investigation into Jodi Huisentruit’s disappearance. The decision, prompted by a motion from attorneys Nellie O’Mara and Jesse Marzen, reveals new details about GPS tracking on vehicles tied to longtime person of interest John Vansice.
Vansice, who died in December 2024, had been a friend of Huisentruit and reportedly one of the last people to see her before her disappearance. The 2017 warrant targeted two vehicles—a 1999 Honda Civic and a 2013 GMC 1500—registered to his Arizona residence. These vehicles did not exist in 1995 but became of interest when Vansice planned a trip to Iowa in 2017.
The court ordered the release of the warrant, application, and endorsement, but ruled that the affidavit by MCPD Investigator Terrance Prochaska remain sealed to protect the integrity of the case. The affidavit reportedly includes sensitive details such as specific times, crime scene observations, and evidence that only the perpetrator would know.
“What the public would like to know is often very different from what the public needs to know or should know,” the court stated. “Mere curiosity is never a sufficient reason for potentially interfering in an ongoing criminal investigation, especially of a major crime.”
The unsealing order is set to take effect 31 days from filing unless appealed.
Memories from the KIMT Newsroom
Former KIMT anchor Brian Mastre recalled the day Jodi went missing, sharing the original script he read to viewers. He hopes the memory might spark new tips. “Nothing in journalism school prepares you for this,” he said during a FindJodi podcast.
The Search Continues
Over the years, police have followed countless leads. In 2024, a tip prompted a search in Winsted, Minnesota. In 2008, Jodi’s journal was anonymously leaked. And in 2017, GPS tracking was deployed. But the ultimate answers remain elusive.
FindJodi, a nonprofit led by journalists and former detectives, continues to pursue the truth. A $100,000 reward is still active for any information that can help close the case.
If You Have Information
☎️ Mason City Police: (641) 421-3636
📧 DCI Agent Ryan Herman: rherman@dps.state.ia.us
🔍 Submit anonymous tips at: FindJodi.com