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“Her Last Note”: 20/20 Reports on Jessie Blodgett Homicide January 23 2026

Ryan Gill

ABC’s 20/20 presents a harrowing true crime special on Friday, January 23, 2026, titled Her Last Note. This episode explores the tragic 2013 murder of 19-year-old Jessie Blodgett, a bright, talented college student from Hartford, Wisconsin. Through interviews with her family, friends, and investigators, the program reveals the devastating betrayal at the center of the case and the quiet evil hiding in plain sight. Jessie was killed in her own bedroom, and what began as a local investigation soon turned into a nationwide story of justice, heartbreak, and resilience.

A Promising Life Cut Short

Jessie Blodgett had a future filled with music, activism, and purpose. She was studying music education at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and was known for her involvement in local theater and her passion for social justice causes. At just 19, she had already begun teaching piano and voice, cultivating a close network of students in her community.

In July 2013, Jessie was active in a local production of Fiddler on the Roof, and had just returned from a cast party. The next morning, her father, Dr. Buck Blodgett, found her unresponsive in her bedroom. Emergency services were called, and the house was secured as a crime scene. An autopsy revealed Jessie had been sexually assaulted and strangled. The apparent lack of forced entry suggested the perpetrator was someone she knew — a trusted presence in her life.

A Hidden Threat Revealed

As detectives worked through the details of Jessie’s final hours, attention turned to those in her close social circle. One name quickly rose to the surface: Daniel Bartelt. A former classmate and brief romantic interest, Bartelt had recently returned home from college and had no criminal history. At first, friends and even Jessie’s parents couldn’t believe he could be involved.

Bartelt’s behavior after the murder was unsettling in hindsight. He sat in the Blodgett family’s living room, reminiscing about Jessie, hugging her parents, and mourning with those closest to her — all while knowing he was the one who had ended her life. His demeanor didn’t raise alarms initially. He even asked friends to drop him off at the police station for what he claimed would be a brief interview. But when they returned to pick him up, they were told he was being detained.

The Investigation and Breakthrough

Police began piecing together a disturbing timeline. Just days before Jessie’s death, another woman had been attacked in a park in Richfield, Wisconsin. Surveillance footage and forensic evidence tied Bartelt to the scene of that attack. When confronted, he admitted to the assault, claiming he only meant to scare the victim. However, the details of the assault — including the use of a knife and an attempt to bind the woman — mirrored elements later found in Jessie’s case.

Crucially, investigators found a cereal box in a park trash can containing bloody sanitizing wipes, tape, and rope. Forensic testing confirmed both Bartelt’s and Jessie’s DNA were present. When interviewed, Bartelt made a crucial error: he referenced details of Jessie’s death — specifically that she had been raped — before those facts were released publicly. That statement shifted suspicion into certainty.

The Trial and Sentencing

Daniel Bartelt was arrested after a 16-day investigation. At trial, prosecutors presented overwhelming evidence: forensic links, digital records of violent internet searches, and testimony about his history of manipulative behavior. Despite his continued claims of innocence, the jury found him guilty of first-degree intentional homicide.

In August 2014, Bartelt was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. He was also convicted of first-degree reckless endangerment for the earlier park attack and received an additional five-year sentence, to be served consecutively. In court, he offered no real explanation and spoke vaguely about his conscience being clear — a statement that offered little comfort to Jessie’s family.

A Family’s Response and Legacy of Love

Following Jessie’s death, her parents Buck and Joy Blodgett chose a path of healing through action. In the face of unimaginable grief, they founded the LOVE>hate Project. The organization promotes nonviolence, empathy, and forgiveness, particularly in efforts to end interpersonal violence. Rather than focusing on vengeance, the Blodgetts became advocates for change, aiming to prevent similar tragedies through education and community engagement.

Jessie’s story has continued to resonate with people across the country. Her father regularly speaks publicly about her life, her dreams, and the importance of raising awareness about gender-based violence. The LOVE>hate Project now serves as a living memorial, transforming tragedy into a message of resilience and compassion.

The Enduring Impact of Jessie’s Story

Her Last Note brings renewed attention to a case that continues to haunt the Wisconsin community and beyond. It’s not only the story of a talented young woman’s life taken too soon, but also a stark reminder of how trust can be weaponized by those hiding dangerous intentions. Jessie’s murder shattered her family, her community, and her generation of friends — but it also inspired a movement dedicated to creating a more compassionate and just world.

As 20/20 revisits this deeply personal and profoundly tragic case, it shines a light not only on the investigative work that solved it, but on the enduring legacy of a young woman who believed in changing the world through music, kindness, and love.

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