New person of interest emerges in documentary on decades-old disappearance of Iowa news anchor
Share this @internewscast.com

Three decades have passed since an Iowa news anchor disappeared without a trace on her way to work, and now a documentary has identified a new person of interest to help authorities crack a case once deemed cold.

Brad Millerbernd, who was once married to Patty Niemeyer, Jodi Huisentruit’s childhood best friend, came under investigation by Iowa police after receiving tips implicating him in Huisentruit’s 1995 kidnapping, as highlighted in the latest ABC News documentary “Her Last Broadcast: The Abduction of Jodi Huisentruit.”

The documentary discloses that Niemeyer shared information indicating her ex-husband matched secret police sketches of a suspect, and at the time of Huisentruit’s disappearance, Millerbernd resided about three hours away from her apartment.

“It was a very moving experience,” Maria Awes, executive producer of the documentary, told Fox News Digital. “Here you have somebody who was extremely close to Jodi, who was in her very tight circle of friends, grew up with her – all of those things. Now, she believes that her own ex-husband may have had something to do with Jodi’s disappearance. To come forward takes an extreme amount of bravery.”

Exterior of apartment complex where Jodi Huisentruit resided

The apartment complex where Jodi Huisentruit resided and mysteriously disappeared from in Mason City, Iowa, on June 27, 1995. (Steve Kagan/Getty Images)

Despite an extensive search, authorities never located Huisentruit and no arrests have been made in her disappearance. She was declared legally dead in 2001. 

“We haven’t put this down, we haven’t stopped working, we have not stopped pursuing leads and information,” Brinkley told Fox 9. 

Last year, officers searched a property in nearby Winsted, Minnesota, located about 170 miles from Mason City, but did not find anything pertaining to the Huisentruit’s disappearance. Authorities have not released what led police to the property. 

Flyers publicizing Jodi Huisentruit’s disappearance

A flyer publicizing Jodi Huisentruit’s disappearance posted in Mason City, Iowa, on July 3, 1995. (Steve Kagan/Getty Images)

A 2017 search warrant tied to the investigation and released earlier this year revealed authorities looked to obtain GPS data from two vehicles connected to a friend of Huisentruit, John Vansice, who has reportedly since passed away, according to Fox 9. 

The warrant was for a 1999 Honda Civic and 2013 GMC registered to Vansice. He was one of the last people to see Huisentruit alive and previously stated he had cooperated with local, state and federal investigators, Fox 9 reported. 

Despite the countless dead ends, Huisentruit’s family remains hopeful that their daughter will be found 30 years after she vanished. 

“The pain and anguish felt by us and all who loved Jodi are immeasurable,” Huisentruit’s family said in a statement on the Jodi Hope’s Facebook page on the anniversary of her disappearance. “True peace will only be given to us when Jodi is found and justice is served for her. We know it is hard to have hope for resolution after so many years, but we still choose to hope that one day soon it will happen.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Woman dies in NJ senior home fire that injures 8 police officers

Tragic NJ Senior Home Fire Claims Life, Injures 8 Brave Officers: A Community in Mourning

An early morning blaze erupted at a senior housing facility in New…
Explosion reported at nursing home in suburban Philadelphia; reports of people trapped

Explosion Strikes Nursing Home in Suburban Philadelphia, Reports Emerge of Individuals Trapped

A devastating gas explosion rocked a nursing home in Bucks County, Pennsylvania,…
Repeat offender allegedly kills Ohio man just days after nonprofit pays his bail

Nonprofit Faces Scrutiny After Releasing Repeat Offender Accused in Fatal Attack Days Later

The Bail Project calls family of repeat offender The Bail Project, a…
Jalen Brunson-less Knicks fall on road to Timberwolves

Knicks Struggle Without Jalen Brunson: Timberwolves Dominate in Road Showdown

MINNEAPOLIS — Julius Randle had been relatively quiet, managing just 3-of-11 shooting…
U.S. Amb. to NATO: Putin Has Never Said There Are Too Many Lives Lost in War

Unveiling Putin’s Silence: U.S. Ambassador to NATO Critiques Russia’s War Stance

During a segment on Fox News Channel’s “The Story” aired on Tuesday,…
Explosion at Pennsylvania senior home prompts mass casualty response

Explosion at Pennsylvania Senior Home Triggers Comprehensive Emergency Response

An explosion followed by a partial building collapse at a senior living…
Jet crash carrying Libya’s top general triggers airspace shutdown over NATO capital

Libya’s Top General Involved in Jet Crash Leads to Airspace Closure Over NATO Capital

On Tuesday evening, airspace over Turkey’s capital, Ankara, was temporarily closed after…
Brown University police chief placed on leave after deadly shooting as Trump admin opens investigation

Brown University Police Chief Suspended Amid Investigation into Fatal Shooting Linked to Trump Administration

Brown University has placed its police chief on administrative leave following a…
At least 2 dead in Pennsylvania nursing home explosion, several more missing

Tragic Pennsylvania Nursing Home Explosion Leaves 2 Dead, Multiple Residents Missing

An explosion rocked a nursing home in eastern Pennsylvania on Tuesday afternoon,…
Jacksonville gears up for Gator Bowl: Traffic plans, shuttle options for fans

Jacksonville Prepares for Gator Bowl with Comprehensive Traffic and Shuttle Plans for Fans

As the 2025 TaxSlayer Gator Bowl approaches, Jacksonville’s city leaders are meticulously…
Lil Zay Osama, Ceasefire make Christmas 2025 brighter for Corshawnda Hatter, kids attacked near Chicago's Bright Elementary School

Rapper Lil Zay Osama and Ceasefire Bring Joy to Chicago Kids with Festive 2025 Celebration

CALUMET PARK, Ill. (WLS) — Corshawnda Hatter is struggling to heal from…
Which grocery stores are open on Thanksgiving?

Discover Which Stores and Restaurants Will Keep Their Doors Open on Christmas Day 2025

As the festive season draws near, understanding holiday store hours becomes essential…