Latest Tip in Jodi Huisentruit Case Comes Up Empty

The latest tip in trying to piece together what exactly happened to an Iowa journalist has unfortunately come up empty. It's a bitter blow for those closest to the woman who has been missing for nearly 30 years, and those who have worked so diligently to seek answers over multiple decades.

Jodi Huisentruit was a 32-year-old news anchor that disappeared back in June 1995 in Mason City, IA. She disappeared in the early morning hours of June 27, 1995 after telling a colleague that she had overslept and was running late for work.

When Huisentruit still hadn't made it to work by 7am, Mason City Police were notified. Her vehicle was found at her apartment, along with a bent car key, her high heels, and evident signs of a struggle. To date, she is believed to have been abducted, but extensive investigations have failed to uncover any concrete evidence as to what happened or where her remains could be.

Acting on a tip received last month, Iowa investigators traveled to Winsted, MN, roughly three hours north of Mason City, in October. Mason City Police Chief Jeff Brinkley confirmed the purpose of the search in a brief statement:

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MCPD recently worked with Minnesota law enforcement officials to follow up on a lead in Winsted. MCPD continues to receive, evaluate, and follow up on information it receives related to Jodi Huisentruit’s disappearance on a regular basis. Information gleaned from this effort will be used in the ongoing investigation. At this time, there is no additional information for public release. We do want to encourage anyone with information about Jodi’s disappearance to contact the MCPD or the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. - Mason City Police Chief Jeff Brinkley, per FindJodi.com

That statement stuck out to me and many others. It was one line in particular. "There is no additional information for public release." I thought if this was a false lead, a malicious tip, or otherwise unremarkable search, Chief Brinkley likely would've said as much. His wording made it sound like there was more to be released at a later time.

Unfortunately, per multiple sources including KCCI, the tip has proven to be empty. Winsted Police Chief Justin Heldt confirmed to FindJodi.com that no human remains were found during the October 18th search of land that is currently being set-up for the development of a new apartment complex. Police Chief Heldt noted that it's not unusual to find animal bones in a rural area like Winsted.

Due to the nature of the search being an active investigation, not much information could be revealed, except for the fact that no human remains nor bones were uncovered.

Furthermore, FindJodi.com noted that law enforcement typically notifies a medical examiner or coroner if suspicious bones or remained are found during an investigation. The director of the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office, Shane Sheets, told FindJodi that they had not received any recent reports of bones or remains being found.

Come June, it will be 30 years since Jodi Huisentruit went missing, leaving her family and friends in desperate search for answers. Last year, a $25,000 reward was offered by a private investigator for information leading to closure on the case.

Stay up to date with all developments related to Jodi Huisentruit on FindJodi.com. Read more about this particular tip coming up cold on KCCI's website.