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
National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom dies from wounds in DC attack

Tragic Loss: Honoring National Guard Member Sarah Beckstrom After DC Attack

WASHINGTON (AP) — On Thursday, President Trump shared that one of the…
Asking Eric: After a birthday with no greetings, letter writer feels miserable

Feeling Forgotten: The Emotional Impact of Overlooked Birthdays Explored in ‘Asking Eric

Dear Eric, I’ve noticed a significant shift in how we live compared…
What does the future hold for Jets QB Justin Fields after benching?

Future Uncertain: What’s Next for Jets’ Quarterback Justin Fields After Recent Bench?

The future of Justin Fields with the New York Jets remains shrouded…
Waters: The Media Don't 'Resist' Trump

Maxine Waters Criticizes Media for Lack of Opposition to Trump

During a segment on CNN’s “The Story Is” aired on Wednesday, Rep.…
Nigerian children as young as 5 among hundreds kidnapped, nun says

Tragic Rise in Kidnappings: Nigerian Children, Some Just 5, Among Victims

A significant number of children abducted from a Catholic school in Nigeria…
Anna Kepner dies mysteriously during family vacation on Carnival cruise ship: Timeline of events

Justice Sought: Anna Kepner’s Father Demands Accountability in Tragic Cruise Ship Incident

FBI probes Florida teens death on cruise ship In a recent segment…
Putin calls Trump’s peace plan a ‘starting point’ as he warns Ukraine to pull back or face 'force'

Putin Labels Trump’s Peace Proposal a ‘Foundation’ While Urging Ukraine to Retreat or Confront ‘Force

Putin arrives for meeting in Kyrgyzstan Russian President Vladimir Putin convened with…
Chicago-area doctors worry over subclade K flu strain ahead of Thanksgiving 2025 holiday

Chicago Doctors Sound Alarm on Emerging K Flu Strain Threatening Thanksgiving 2025 Travel Plans

ELMHURST, Ill. — As the holiday season approaches, a surge of concern…
Appliance Warranty Runaround: 87-year-old gets new refrigerator after I-Team gets involved, reaches out to Sears Home Services

I-Team Intervention Secures New Refrigerator for 87-Year-Old After Navigating Appliance Warranty Challenges with Sears Home Services

As Thanksgiving approaches, the last thing anyone wants is a malfunctioning refrigerator,…
Like Father Like Son: Both Deion and Shedeur Sanders Make It Hard to Root for Them

Why Deion and Shedeur Sanders’ Attitude is Turning Fans Away: A Candid Look at Father-Son Dynamics in Sports

Politics Entertainment Media Economy World London / Europe Border / Cartel Chronicles…
Officials ID wounded National Guard members on job less than 24 hours before DC ambush as probe intensifies

Officials Identify Recently Assigned National Guard Members Injured in DC Ambush as Investigation Gains Momentum

Two members of the National Guard who were shot just a short…
US passenger goes missing while on shore during Caribbean cruise

U.S. Passenger Disappears During Caribbean Cruise Shore Excursion: Urgent Search Underway

A 55-year-old American woman disappeared during a Caribbean cruise tour after stepping…