Who Killed Jessie Blodgett? What to Know About Daniel Bartelt and Where He Is Now

The tragic case of Jessie Blodgett’s murder at the hands of Daniel Bartelt shook the town of Hartford, Wis., in 2013. Jessie was a 19-year-old theatre student found strangled in her bed, revealing a horrifying crime committed by someone she knew. Daniel Bartelt, her friend and former boyfriend, was later arrested and charged with her murder, leading to a disturbing investigation that shocked the community.

Before her untimely death, Jessie Blodgett was a talented actress and musician, studying theatre at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Returning home late from a cast party, her lifeless body was discovered by her mother the next day, showing signs of strangulation but no weapon found at the scene. The investigation quickly focused on Daniel Bartelt, who had known Jessie for years and had a previous dating history with her during high school.

The relationship between Jessie and Daniel was complex, with friends and family describing them as close and even collaborative in their artistic pursuits. However, Bartelt’s actions leading up to Jessie’s murder raised red flags, including a violent incident in a park days before the tragedy. Bartelt attacked a woman with a knife in a nearby park, showcasing disturbing behaviour that later linked him to Blodgett’s murder through forensic evidence and incriminating online activity.

Authorities eventually caught Bartelt by uncovering crucial evidence, including DNA linking him to the crime scene and his own admission to details that only the killer would know. Despite maintaining his innocence, Bartelt was charged and convicted of first-degree intentional homicide for Jessie’s death, along with other related charges stemming from his violent behaviour. His sentencing included a life term without parole, ensuring he would never pose a threat to society again.

The case highlighted the devastating impact of male violence against women, a cause that Jessie Blodgett passionately advocated for before her tragic death. Her legacy lives on through her father’s Love Is Greater Than Hate Project, founded in her honour to raise awareness of and combat violence against women. Bartelt’s heinous actions may have taken Jessie’s life, but her memory continues to inspire positive change and resilience in the face of tragedy.

Reflecting on this harrowing story serves as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking within even familiar relationships and the importance of speaking out against violence and injustice. The community’s response to Jessie Blodgett’s murder underscores the enduring impact of her life and the ongoing fight for justice and empowerment in her memory.