Keith Hunter Jesperson Biography: Net Worth, Height, Age, Ex-Wife, Children, Parents, Siblings, Criminal History, Nationality

Keith Hunter Jesperson is a prominent Canadian-American convicted serial killer and former long-haul truck driver known as the “Happy Face Killer” for signing his taunting letters to police and media with a smiley face emoticon.

Active from 1990 to 1995, he confessed to murdering eight women across multiple U.S. states, though he has claimed responsibility for up to 185 killings, with law enforcement confirming only eight.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Keith Hunter Jesperson
• Stage Name: Happy Face Killer
• Born: April 6, 1955
• Age: 71 years old
• Birthplace: Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada
• Nationality: Canadian-American
• Ethnicity: Caucasian
• Occupation: Former truck driver, serial killer
• Height: 6’6″ (198 cm)
• Religion: Unknown
• Parents: Les Jesperson and Doris Jesperson
• Siblings: Bruce Jesperson and others
• Spouse: Roseanne Jesperson
• Children: Melissa G. Moore, Carrie, Jason
• Relationship: Divorced
• Net Worth: $500,000

Early Life and Education

Keith Hunter Jesperson was born on April 6, 1955, in Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada, to his parents Les Jesperson, a heavy equipment operator and later a foreman, and Doris Jesperson.

He was the middle child of five siblings and grew up in a large family that moved frequently due to his father’s job.

The family relocated to the United States when Keith was young, settling in Selah, Washington.

He attended Selah High School and later worked various jobs including construction and trucking.

He suffered bullying in childhood due to his large size and developed behavioral issues, including cruelty to animals and violent fantasies.

He married

in 1976 and had three children before the marriage ended in divorce in 1990 amid his abusive behavior. His ethnicity is Caucasian. His religion is Unknown.

Career

Keith Hunter Jesperson worked primarily as a long-haul truck driver for several companies in the 1980s and 1990s, which gave him mobility across the United States and Canada.

He began his killing spree in 1990, targeting vulnerable women, primarily sex workers and hitchhikers, whom he strangled and disposed of along his trucking routes.

He confessed to eight murders in California, Florida, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming, and Nebraska.

After his daughter alerted police to his suspicious behavior in 1995, he was arrested in March 1995 in Washington state.

He initially confessed to multiple killings, sending letters and drawings signed with a smiley face, leading to his nickname.

He pleaded guilty in Oregon and Washington, receiving multiple life sentences without parole.

He has since cooperated with law enforcement, providing details in interviews and letters, though many claims remain unverified. He remains incarcerated at the Oregon State Penitentiary.

Social Media

Keith Hunter Jesperson does not have social media accounts.

Personal Life

Keith Hunter Jesperson is currently 71 years old and stands at a height of 6’6″ (198 cm). He was married to Roseanne Jesperson from 1976 until their divorce in 1990; they had three children, including two daughters and one son. No other past relationships are publicly detailed beyond his marriage.

He has had no known relationships since his incarceration. His children have distanced themselves from him following his crimes and confessions.

Net Worth

Keith Hunter Jesperson’s net worth is estimated at $500,000. As a convicted serial killer serving life sentences without parole, he has no legitimate income.

Any prior earnings from his trucking career were minimal and depleted after his arrest and legal proceedings. He receives no royalties or payments from media portrayals of his crimes.