Hope House women’s shelter on Friday’s “20/20” airing Friday, August 20, 2010 at 10 p.m. PST
For Release: August 19, 2010
Contacts:
- Hope House/Volunteers of America communications: (509) 499- 9886
- ABC News Media Relations: Alyssa Ziegler Apple (212) 456-1624
Spokane, Wash.—Spokane resident Melissa Moore, daughter of the infamous “Happy Face Killer” is being featured on tomorrow evening’s 20/20. Moore wanted to include information in her interview about a local shelter offering the kind of services that could have helped her family.
The 20/20 crew taped footage of Hope House and interviewed LeeAnn Winters, a woman who relied on Hope House to climb out of decades of addictions and homelessness.
Originally known as the Downtown Women's Shelter, Hope House was founded in response to the 1997 serial murders of homeless women in Spokane to offer women protection from violence on the street. Operated by Volunteers of America since 2001, Hope House offers an environment of dignity, respect and compassion that honors the intrinsic value and unique experience of every woman.
Watch the full story Friday on "20/20" at 10 p.m. PST
About the “20/20” Episode: Melissa Moore grew up with an adoring dad. But behind the loving façade was a violent killer with a secret that would only be revealed years later – her dad Keith Jespersen was one of the nation’s most infamous serial killers, known as the “Happy Face Killer”, for the anonymous confession letters signed with a whimsical smiley face logo. Jespersen’s notorious five year, five state murdering spree resulted in the deaths of eight women.
Melissa speaks candidly about her life as a teenager after learning her father killed multiple women; her fears when she decided to have children of her own; and her message for those who bear the burdens of the sins of their fathers. “Logically I know he is the father that raised me and he is a serial killer, but… to combine the two, it's just not possible for me,” she says. Melissa also takes “20/20” back to the scene of her youth, near a place where her father also killed and disposed of one of his victim’s bodies.
ABC News Correspondent Juju Chang reports on “20/20” airing FRIDAY, AUGUST 20 (10:00 – 11:00 p.m. ET) on the ABC Television Network.
“20/20” is anchored by Elizabeth Vargas and Chris Cuomo. David Sloan is executive producer.
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