The family of Jennifer Kesse, who vanished from her Orlando home in 2006, is hopeful that newly discovered DNA evidence will breathe new life into the cold case. The 26-year-old disappeared on 24 January, leaving behind a mystery that has baffled investigators for nearly two decades.
Speaking at CrimeCon in Orlando, Jennifer's uncle, Bill Gilmour, revealed that DNA had been collected from her car, contrary to what police originally told the family. 'After my sister and brother sued them and got the records from the OPD... it said that they collected DNA in the car, which they originally said that they did not,' he said. The lawsuit also uncovered images of the car showing 'signs of struggle'.
The case has seen renewed attention since the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) cold case unit took over in 2022. Jennifer's father, Drew Kesse, expressed optimism: 'We have never felt so hopeful and optimistic. This is Jennifer's best chance at being found.' He has sold his house and paid substantial legal and private investigator fees to keep the search alive.
Jennifer's uncle also noted that she had been concerned about construction workers in her building and had filed a formal complaint about them. Despite this, family members said she showed no signs of distress and was in a healthy relationship. Her boyfriend, Rob Allen, was cleared as a suspect early in the investigation.
The Orlando Police Department has been contacted for comment. The FDLE has not yet confirmed whether they will test the DNA evidence.
