The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 27, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Crime & Justice›Serial Killer›Keith Hunter Jesperson
Crime & Justice • Serial Killer

Keith Hunter Jesperson

Keith Hunter Jesperson (born 6 April 1955) is a Canadian-born American serial killer known as the “Happy Face Killer.” He was convicted of murdering at least eight women in the United States between 1990 and 1995 and became known for taunting letters to media and authorities signed with smiley faces.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Keith Hunter Jesperson (born 6 April 1955) is a Canadian-born American serial killer known as the “Happy Face Killer.” He was convicted of murdering at least eight women in the United States between 1990 and 1995 and became known for taunting letters to media and authorities signed with smiley faces.

Early life

Keith Hunter Jesperson was born in 1955 in Chilliwack, British Columbia. He later became a long-haul truck driver and lived much of his adult life in the United States.

Murders

Jesperson’s confirmed murders took place between 1990 and 1995 in several U.S. states. His victims were predominantly women, and investigators have confirmed at least eight killings.

Happy Face Killer nickname

Jesperson gained his nickname after sending taunting letters about his crimes to newspapers and law-enforcement agencies. He signed these communications with smiley faces.

Arrest and imprisonment

Jesperson was arrested in 1995 after the investigation narrowed in on him. He was later convicted of multiple murders and sentenced to life imprisonment.

Key facts

  • Jesperson was born in Chilliwack, British Columbia, and later lived and committed crimes in the United States.
  • He worked as a long-haul truck driver, which enabled him to travel widely across the country.
  • He murdered at least eight women between 1990 and 1995.
  • He sent anonymous confessional letters to media outlets and authorities, signing them with smiley faces.
  • He is serving multiple life sentences in prison.
🍁
Canadian context

Jesperson was born in Chilliwack, British Columbia, making him a Canadian-born figure in a major U.S. criminal case.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Keith Hunter Jesperson?
He is a Canadian-born American serial killer known as the “Happy Face Killer.”
Why was he called the Happy Face Killer?
He sent anonymous letters about his crimes signed with smiley faces.
How many people did he kill?
At least eight murders have been confirmed.
When did the killings occur?
The confirmed murders occurred between 1990 and 1995.
What was Jesperson’s job?
He worked as a long-haul truck driver.
What is his current status?
He is incarcerated and serving life sentences.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keith_Hunter_Jesperson
    Supports: Birth date, Canadian birth, nickname, occupation, confirmed murders, and taunting smiley-face letters.
  2. People — https://people.com/where-is-keith-hunter-jesperson-now-happy-face-killer-11691801
    Supports: At least eight confirmed victims, truck-driver occupation, nickname origin, and broad summary of crimes.
  3. Biography — https://www.biography.com/crime/a63667134/happy-face-killer
    Supports: Multiple life sentences, confirmed murders, crime period, and current incarceration.
  4. CNN — https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/09/us/happy-face-killer-unknown-victim-california-cec
    Supports: Nickname origin, anonymous confession letters, and confirmation of at least eight victims.
  5. Wikipedia (German) — https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keith_Hunter_Jesperson
    Supports: Birthplace in Chilliwack, Canadian-American identity, confirmed murders, and life imprisonment.