Minnesota crime scene investigators made a significant breakthrough when they first examined a Minneapolis high-rise apartment in connection to the 1993 murder of Jeanie Childs. At around 5:30 p.m. on June 13, 1993, a tenant reported water seeping into their apartment. The caretaker and a security guard traced the source to apartment 2104.
Bart Epstein, retired forensic scientist, noted, “They went into the apartment and found that the shower was still running, causing flooding.”
Inside the apartment, they discovered Jeanie Childs stabbed more than 60 times, with her body partially under the bed. Investigators found no sign of forced entry and gathered evidence such as a blue washcloth, a red T-shirt, and blood scrapings for DNA testing. Despite finding unknown DNA, no matches were initially identified.
The investigation stalled, turning cold over the years. Betty Eakman, Jeanie’s mother, regularly contacted authorities seeking updates on her daughter’s unsolved case. In 2015, advancements in DNA technology revived the case. A blood sample from the stairwell matched John Esswein, who denied any involvement.
Through investigative genetic genealogy, unknown DNA at the crime scene identified 52-year-old Jerry Westrom, a local businessman. Retired FBI agent Chris Boeckers described Westrom as a family man living a seemingly normal life, making it surprising that he was linked to the case.
Westrom’s DNA was matched after investigators collected a napkin and food container he discarded during a hockey game. He was arrested and charged with Jeanie’s murder in February 2019, pleading not guilty.
Defense efforts pointed out additional DNA at the scene, including some found in the stairwell matched to Esswein and a criminal history involving another suspect, James Luther Carlton, whose connection to Jeanie’s murder was questioned but not fully proven.
Forensic experts focused on bloody footprints at the crime scene, which were pivotal in linking Westrom to the murder. Forensic scientist Mark Ulrick identified several footprints as belonging to Westrom. Defense scientist Alicia McCarthy agreed on one but disagreed on others, citing insufficient detail.
Westrom’s trial in August 2022 included testimony from experts who linked his footprint and DNA to the crime scene, despite no clear motive presented by prosecutors. The jury convicted him of first-degree murder.
In September 2022, Westrom was sentenced to life imprisonment. Although appeals were made, including a petition to the U.S. Supreme Court, none succeeded. Jeanie Childs’ family felt justice was served, though grief remains.
Jeanie’s mother, Betty, mourns her daughter deeply, sharing a heartfelt letter reflecting her loss and love.