Private Investigator Shares Bombshell Update on Jodi Huisentruit Disappearance Investigation

A prominent Iowa-based private investigator has shared a significant update on the 31-year mystery of Jodi Huisentruit's disappearance.

On June 27, 1995, the beloved television anchor for KIMT disappeared outside of her apartment complex in Mason City, Iowa. Huisentruit told a coworker just after 4:00 a.m. that day she had overslept and was on her way to the station.

There were multiple disturbing signs of a struggle, strongly indicating that Huisentruit did not disappear voluntarily. According to FindJodi.com, some of her personal items were strewn about the parking lot outside the apartment, and the key to her car was bent. Witnesses in the area recalled hearing a scream around the time she disappeared.

31 years later, a potentially significant development has emerged in the investigation.

During an interview with KTTC, private investigator Steve Ridge said that he has identified the suspect responsible for Huisentruit's disappearance. Ridge said he spoke to a woman who received a confession from a former romantic partner.

"Essentially, it's a woman, who I surfaced, who had a relationship with a suspect in the case almost immediately after Jodi went missing," Ridge told KTTC. "It was in the months right after."

The woman told Ridge that the suspect had grown agitated about police constantly following him. According to the woman, the suspect finally snapped and told her he was responsible.

"In a moment of exasperation or anger, he was slamming the steering wheel and saying, ‘I didn't do it. I didn't do it,' but he finally said, ‘I did it.'"

Ridge has been in contact with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, per KTTC. He wouldn't name the woman or the suspect. However, he told the media outlet that the woman provided several pieces of evidence (such as financial records and photos) to prove she had a relationship with the unnamed suspect.

More to come.

Ridge Has Pledged a $100,000 Reward in Jodi Huisentruit Case

Huisentruit's disappearance has drawn massive nationwide coverage. Unsolved Mysteries, 20/20 and America's Most Wanted aired segments on the case, hoping to receive more tips from the public.

In December, Ridge announced a $100,000 reward for information leading to the discovery of Huisentruit's remains. The offer is in place through June 27.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 2, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published June 1, 2026 at 8:58 PM.