The Friend Who Turned Out to Be the Killer.

Nineteen-year-old music student Jessie Blodgett returned home from a cast party, went to sleep in her childhood bedroom, and never woke up. By morning, her mother found a scene that shattered the quiet town of Hartford, Wisconsin. There was no forced entry and no clear motive, leaving investigators with more questions than answers. Then, in a nearby town, a young woman survived a violent attack in a park. Her detailed account pointed police toward someone no one expected. Jessie’s close friend, Daniel Bartelt, had been the last person anyone would suspect. But a slip during questioning, a blue van, and a roll of HVAC tape began to connect the two crimes. When detectives searched Bartelt’s home and the trash cans at the park, the pieces snapped into place. DNA, ropes, tape, and his own writings revealed a disturbing double life. Bartelt was spending his days pretending to work, isolating himself, and writing violent fantasies while spiraling further into darkness. Jessie’s family now carries her legacy forward through the Love Is Greater Than Hate Project, ensuring her light continues to reach others long after her life was stolen. What do you think happened that summer? Did Daniel plan this, or did something snap? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices