The true story That Inspired ‘Happy Face’

By leah jones

A new true crime series is out on Paramount+ with a hauntingly unique plot. Happy Face is based on the real story of Melissa Moore, the daughter of serial killer Keith Hunter Jesperson from the early 90s.

Jesperson, known as the Happy Face Killer, first murdered Taunja Bennett in Oregon in 1990. Bennett’s case was initially unsolved until later because of an uninvolved couple’s false confession.

Jesperson went on to take the lives of at least seven more victims, though he confessed that there were many more. He was known to strangle his victims and dump their bodies in remote locations.

He executed this twisted strategy to allow his victim’s disappearances to go unnoticed for as long as possible. Eventually, he was convicted for the eight known murders.

‘Happy Face’ Is Based on True Events

What makes Happy Face unique is its perspective from the killer’s daughter. It’s an often unexplored experience vs. the incomparable tragedy the victims’ families endure.

‘Happy Face’ Is Based on True Events

The show follows Melissa Moore as she reconnects with her father, Jesperson after he claims he has knowledge of an unreported victim.

‘Happy Face’ Is Based on True Events

Melissa visits him in prison for answers. This leads her to investigating whether there is an innocent man on death row for a murder her father committed.

‘Happy Face’ Is Based on True Events

All of this also forces Melissa to confront her father's dark legacy and reveal this secret she has kept from her family. The first episodes of Happy Face are streaming now.

The Real Life of Melissa Moore

Melissa’s story in Happy Face is based on the experiences of Melissa Moore as told in her memoir, "Shattered Silence: The Untold Story of a Serial Killer’s Daughter."

The Real Life of Melissa Moore

Moore says she had a relatively happy childhood and loving relationship with her father until she discovered at age 15 that he was a serial killer after he was caught.

The Real Life of Melissa Moore

Moore told Parade in an interview, “I think he is going to be upset at some things in the fact that he’s not glorified. He’s not the hero in this story, obviously.”

The Real Life of Melissa Moore

She also said she reached out to the victims’ families and the families of other perpetrators to help her cope with the complex feelings of giving attention to her father.

The Real Life of Melissa Moore

However, Moore said she feels empowered from being here to tell her story. This courage is what inspired Happy Face as it depicts this chilling narrative.

Read the full story at the link below. 

'Happy Face' Series Tells the True Story of a Serial Killer's Daughter