Private investigator claims news anchor's disappearance was driven by 'jealousy'.

Nearly 30 years ago, a 27-year-old Iowa news anchor, Jodi Huisentruit, went missing. Despite ongoing searches by authorities, one private investigator believes her disappearance was a result of "jealousy" and "passion."

On June 27, 1995, KIMT-TV morning anchor Huisentruit disappeared while on her way to work in Mason City, Iowa, from her hometown of Long Prairie, Minnesota.

Steve Ridge, a licensed private investigator, told Planet Chronicle Digital that the case in question stands out.

"Jodi was a young, vivacious television anchor who was very photogenic and charismatic. Even people who didn't know her felt a certain attraction to her. Mason City, a tight-knit community, embraced Jodi wholeheartedly. However, the community is haunted by the case involving Jodi, which casts a dark shadow over them."

Since 1995, Ridge has been following the case of Huisentruit's disappearance and has been investigating it pro bono since 2019. He has put up a $100,000 reward for anyone who can lead police to her remains.

Ridge stated in an interview with Planet Chronicle Digital that he is unable to stop investigating the case. He explained that Huisentruit, who began her journalism career near his home, was very approachable to locals despite her public persona.

"Jodi was an exception in the television industry, as she was accessible and loved to socialize in local pubs. In contrast, most television anchors in larger markets have a disconnect between their on-screen persona and their real-life demeanor. However, Jodi was embraced by the people of Mason City and became a beloved member of the community."

Ridge claims to have identified the person responsible for Huisentruit's disappearance, but he kept this information confidential to avoid jeopardizing any potential legal proceedings.

"I had narrowed down the list of suspects in my mind to four people," he stated. "Therefore, I am confident that one of those four individuals was responsible for Jodi's disappearance. However, I have not revealed which one is my favorite, and I will not disclose this information."

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Over the years, Ridge has interviewed nearly a thousand individuals about Huisentruit's case, including two persons of interest and others who he believes possess valuable information. He has also overseen several search efforts based on tips in an attempt to locate her remains.

"I had to secure permission from property owners for private searches on their land, which were conducted in some cases," he stated. "I am still working on several specific avenues of exploration, which are like branches on a tree. Each branch develops into three more and three more and ten more, allowing us to pursue each one."

The abduction of Huisentruit was confirmed, and her hair dryer, red shoes, and hairspray were discovered near her car at her apartment complex. Police found evidence of a struggle, and a witness reported seeing a suspicious white van and hearing a scream, according to Fox 9.

Huisentruit's possible abduction may have been caused by a series of events, according to Ridge's leading theory.

Jodi had a secret last-minute fling with a man she met in a bar 10 days before her disappearance. They quickly became friends and spent time golfing, dining, and drinking together. Jodi was at his residence, and the jealousy created by their budding relationship may have led to the crime of passion.

"I believe the person who abducted the individual was intending to confront her and discuss the situation, but things escalated and she was abducted from that location. Her remains were likely found within a 26-mile radius of the Key Apartments."

In 2001, the news anchor was officially declared deceased. Ridge stated that it would require an "extreme amount of manpower" to find her remains.

"The main obstacle, according to him, is the location and method of the body's disposal. He believes that the body was weighed down with a specific type of weights, which would cause it to sink deeply in any water area. There are numerous water areas in and around that specific part of the state, making it challenging to locate the body."

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The private investigator stated that he will persist in pursuing different leads and is resolute in assisting the police in resolving Huisentruit's case. He maintains regular contact with JoAnn Nathe, Huisentruit's older sister, and shared that the investigation continues to occupy her.

"He said, 'I hope one day I can give her the peace of mind she and her family, Jodi's friends, and the community of Mason City desire, which currently hangs over them like a cloud.'"