The Murder of April Sorensen

April Sorensen was found murdered inside her Minnesota home on April 17th, 2007. Her killing remains unsolved to this day.

At the time of her death, the 27-year-old woman lived with her husband, Joshua Sorensen, at a residence in Rochester. April was a student at Rochester Community and Technical College, where she was studying to become a dental hygienist. She also was working for UPS Inc. in the northwest part of town. 

April 17th, 2007 began as a seemingly normal day for both April and Joshua. April worked an early-morning shift at UPS from 4:00 AM to 8:00 AM. Meanwhile, Joshua went to his job at IBM. At 10:00 AM, April went to class. The class lasted approximately 50 minutes, and she returned home shortly after it concluded. 

Around 12:30 PM a TV technician arrived at the Sorensen residence for a scheduled appointment. The technician noticed smoke coming from inside the house and immediately called 911. Both the police and fire department responded to the scene. It was quickly determined that this was a case of arson, not an accidental fire.

After extinguishing the flames, investigators found April's body in the bedroom. It was clear that her death was not caused by the fire - as she had been stabbed, strangled, and her throat had been slit. It's believed that the fire was set after April was murdered in an attempt to cover up the crime.

Investigators immediately launched an investigation into the murder. After retracing April's steps, investigators learned that she was killed within a very short timeframe. She arrived home at approximately 11:00 AM after her class. When the TV technician arrived approximately 90 minutes later, the house was already on fire - meaning April had already been murdered and the killer(s) had already fled the scene by that point.

April's husband Joshua was inevitably questioned early on into the investigation. Joshua told police that he was at his job at IBM at the time the killing took place. Investigators were able to easily confirm this alibi, as the IBM building is a secure corporate campus that tracks when their employees enter and exit the premises. 

The TV technician was also ruled out as a suspect. Over the years, investigators have looked at several other persons of interest, including "one strong suspect." Detectives have not publicly named this person; however, they did mention that his person has been incarcerated for unrelated crimes. 

Several years have passed, and April's murder is still unsolved. Investigators have created a profile of a potential suspect; stating that "the offender may have been involved in other impulsive criminal behaviors in the past such as burglary, theft, trespassing, window peeking, or joy riding." Both detectives and April's loved ones are hoping that anyone with information about a potential suspect will come forward.

If you have any information that could help solve the murder of April Sorensen, please contact RPD homicide Detective Alex Kendrick at 507-328-2739.

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Sources:
ABC 6 News
KROC News
NBC News
Post Bulletin

Similar cases:

• The Murder of Heather and Kira Radcliffe
• The Murder of Kelcey Fike
• The Murder of Mikiko Kasahara
• Unsolved cases from 2007

The Murder of Keke Jefferson-Moore

source: goldenvalleymn.gov

The morning of September 23rd, 2000 began as a seemingly normal day in Golden Valley, Minnesota. Temperatures were ranging between the high 40s-low 50s; still warm enough to spend time outside if properly attired. On two this particular morning, individuals were doing just that - taking a morning walk alongside Theodore Wirth Lake - when they spotted something unexpected in the water: the body of a young female. 

Police were notified about the discovery of the body shortly before 10:00 AM. The call indicated that there was a possible drowning at the lake. Once police arrived on the scene, it was discovered that the victim was fully clothed but did not have any identification. However, it did not take long for investigators to identify the young woman as 20-year-old Keke Jefferson-Moore.

An autopsy determined that Keke's death was not the result of drowning - she had actually been a victim of homicide. In fact, it is believed that she was actually killed elsewhere before her body was disposed of at the lake. Keke's exact cause of death has never been revealed, but police announced very early on that they were investigating her case as a murder. 

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More about Keke.

Keke was born in September of 1980 to Johnetta Jefferson-Moore and Benjamin Moore. She was the youngest of three siblings and had an older brother and sister. Keke grew up in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota with her family.

According to reports, Keke was an outgoing and friendly person. As a child, she enjoyed typical things such as riding her bike and playing with makeup. In high school, she developed a passion for writing and photography. 

Keke graduated from high school in 1998. She took a job as a telemarketer after graduation but hoped to eventually go to college to study journalism. Unfortunately, Keke was murdered before those hopes could be pursued. 

Theodore Wirth Lake.

source: Wikipedia

As previously stated, Keke's body was found at the edge of Theodore Wirth Lake. Investigators noted that it did not appear that she had been in the water for very long before her body was discovered. It is believed she was killed elsewhere. More specifically, investigators reportedly believe Keke's body was placed there between 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM the day before it was found. 

Initial theories. 

Days after Keke's body was discovered, an unnamed 24-year-old man was arrested and booked on suspicion of homicide. Reports did not indicate the nature of the relationship between Keke and this man; only that the two of them knew each other. The man was eventually released after being questioned, and he was never formally charged with anything related to Keke's case. 

Around this time, police noted that there are others who had not been ruled out as well. However, nobody else has been publicly named as a suspect or person of interest in Keke's case. 

Police also pondered if Keke's murder was connected to four other murders that had occurred in the vicinity of Theodore Wirth Lake in 1996. However, the main suspect in those murders was quickly ruled out, as he had already been convicted for one of the killings at the time Keke was murdered. 

A cold case.

Over two decades have passed, and Keke's murder still remains unsolved. It does not appear that any other persons of interest have ever been identified. Keke's family members are still hoping to find answers and justice. 

If you have any information that could lead to the arrest and conviction of Keke's killer(s), please contact the Golden Valley Police at (763) 512-2500.

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Sources:
Golden Valley
Newspapers.com, (2)
The Published Pen
Uncovered

The Disappearance of Mato Dow

image source: cbsnews.com

Mato Dow has been missing since October 2017. The then-26-year-old disappeared from Redwood Falls, Minnesota. Mato was last seen during the early morning hours of October 13th before he seemingly vanished into thin air. 

Very little is known about the circumstances surrounding Mato's disappearance. What is known is that Mato was at his sister's apartment in the 100 block of S Minnesota Street shortly before he vanished. He reportedly left the apartment at some point after midnight on the day of his disappearance and has never been seen or heard from again.

Authorities began appealing to the public for information about Mato's whereabouts very shortly after he was reported missing. The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension released an image of Mato that was captured by a local gas station's surveillance camera before his disappearance. The image shows him in the outfit he was wearing when he vanished: a gray sweatshirt, gray long shorts and dark colored shoes.

(image source: cbsnews.com)

Since then, authorities have remained quiet about the status of the investigation. There have been very few updates over the years. Mato's loved ones still actively post on a 'Help Find Mato Dow' Facebook page, and they remain dedicated to solving his case.

Law enforcement from both Redwood Falls and the Lower Sioux community are investigating Mato's case. If you have any information that could help the investigation, please contact Redwood Falls authorities at 507-637-4036 or Lower Sioux authorities at 507-697-8680.

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Sources:
CBS News, 2
Charley Project
Help Find Mato Dow 
Justice for Native People
Uncovered

The Disappearance of Nevaeh Kingbird

Nevaeh Kingbird has been missing since October 23rd, 2021. The 15-year-old was last seen leaving a residence in Bemidji, Minnesota around 2:00 AM. Nevaeh never returned home and has not been seen or heard from again. 

Nevaeh's mother Teddi Wind initially reported Nevaeh missing as a runaway. According to Teddi, Nevaeh had run away before, but had always stayed in contact. This time around, Nevaeh has not been in touch, and it also appears that she has not accessed her social media accounts—which is extremely out of character. In fact, Teddi sent Nevaeh numerous messages via social media that were reportedly never read. Additionally, Nevaeh's friends report that she has not been active in their group chat, which is also very unusual. 

In a February 2022 report on Nevaeh's disappearance, Teddi is quoted describing the hours leading up to Nevaeh's disappearance. Teddi stated she was at work when she called Nevaeh on the afternoon of October 22nd. During their phone call, Nevaeh was reportedly slurring her words and Teddi grew worried about her. Teddi then drove home to make sure Nevaeh was okay, and when she arrived, she found several additional people inside her house who did not her permission to be there. Teddi asked them to leave and eventually went outside to call the police. After the final swarm of people left the residence, Teddi noticed that Nevaeh was gone too. 

Later that evening, Nevaeh went to a party at Carter Circle in southeast Bemidji. She reportedly left that residence around 1:00 AM and went to another residence at Southview Terrace Park. Nevaeh then left that residence around 2:00 AM. This is the last known sighting of Nevaeh before she vanished. 

The February 2022 report also states that Nevaeh's brother was told that Nevaeh might have been injured when she left the second residence. Her brother was reportedly told that Nevaeh jumped out of a window and hit her head. Then, she said on the ground for some time before getting up and running off. Police later located Nevaeh's phone at this residence, but no other evidence pointing to her whereabouts was found.

Several extensive searches have been conducted for Nevaeh, but unfortunately she has still not been found. In May 2022, it was reported that the Bemidji police collaborated with several agencies to conduct a large search spanning of 500 acres in both water and in wooded areas, but nothing was found. 

Nevaeh remains missing today. The FBI is involved in the search. If you have any information that could lead to her whereabouts, please submit a tip. 

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Sources:
The Bemidji Pioneer
Dateline
Lakeland PBS

The Disappearance of William Hummelsund

source: Help Find William Hummelsund Facebook page

William Hummelsund vanished during the early morning hours of January 26th, 2017. The 20-year-old was last seen leaving a family friend's home in Minneapolis, Minnesota. William never returned home and has never been seen or heard from again.

William's case is unfortunately one of many missing persons cases with very little coverage by the media. However, there has been a decent amount of discussion about his disappearance on social media. Over a week after his disappearance, a friend posted the following the William's Facebook page: "Don't know what's going on with you but I hope you come home safe and sound...Praying for you will." Over the next few months, various other people posted to William's page inquiring about his whereabouts. On his birthday that year, family members sent him well wishes and posted messages such as "I hope you are ok" and "praying for you". 

On October 7th, 2017, a friend wrote: "Come out of hiding you went missing on purpose I know this is you on Twitter." The same person also claimed to have found his Twitter account--though his has never been confirmed. 

In July 2018, the same person wrote: "I still can’t believe this shit cuz it’s been almost two years... where the fuck did he go ?!? 🙁." Another friend responded, stating, "Nobody knows except for the ones who was with him that’s why it’s not making any sense." This information has not been confirmed, as none of the media reports about William's disappearance mention that he was seen with anyone else on the morning of his disappearance. Still, these messages theorize that someone out there has information about William's disappearance but is not talking.

William remains missing today, and there have been very few updates in his case. Minneapolis authorities are investigating. If you have any information that could lead to William's whereabouts, please go here to submit an anonymous tip.

The Disappearance of Jeremy Jourdain

Jeremy Jourdain was 17 years old when he vanished on October 31st, 2016. Jeremy lived with his family in Cass Lake, Minnesota, but on the evening of his disappearance he went to a Halloween party in Bemidji with friends. The party was located on the 500 block of Wood Avenue.

Around midnight, Jeremy announced that he no longer wanted to be at the party. Suddenly and without warning, he took off running from the residence. Relatives who were also at the party tried to follow him, but they were unable to see where he went. It’s possible that Jeremy tried to walk back to Cass Lake, located over 14 miles away, but he never returned and has not been seen or heard from again after that.

Authorities believe that Jeremy left on his own accord, even though he has no history of running away and did not take any personal belongings with him. His loved ones are worried for his safety and are desperately hoping for answers in his case. If you have any information that could help, please contact the Bemidji Police Department at 218-333-9111.

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Sources:
Bemidji Pioneer
Charley Project
Let's bring Jeremy home
NBC News

The Murder of Cristina Prodan

source: Pioneer Press

Cristina Prodan (27) was brutally murdered by her boyfriend Joseph Porter (25) on January 4th, 2018. Porter reportedly confessed to punching Cristina repeatedly in the face following an argument. Afterwards, he put her into a chokehold until she lost consciousness and then placed her body into a suitcase before fleeing to New Orleans to dispose of her body.

The savage attack took place inside Cristina’s home in Edina, Minnesota. The two met on Facebook during the previous year, but Porter was technically not a single man when he met Cristina. In fact, Porter was married to a man with whom he shared a home in Little Rock, Arkansas. 

Once Porter moved into Cristina’s home, he reportedly began to show a violent side. According to Cristina’s mother, Porter raped Cristina and beat her service dog. He also was accused of killing a puppy in Arkansas. In December 2017, Cristina took out an order of protection against Porter. He was arrested for violating it right after it was put in place. Despite all of this, Cristina ultimately decided to let Porter back into her home.

Cristina’s family members were aware of Porter's violent tendencies, so they were inevitably worried when they learned that Cristina had taken him back. During the early morning hours of January 5th, 2018, Cristina’s mother grew so worried that she called the police and asked them to do a welfare check at Cristina’s home.

When the police arrived, they found the place disheveled, and Cristina and Porter were nowhere to be found. 

Porter's car and run-ins with police. 

Police entered Porter’s car into a database and discovered that he was stopped by a state trooper in Missouri on the evening of January 4th. The trooper noted that Porter was alone, and he had a large suitcase in the back of his car, along with a pickaxe and a shovel. Porter told the trooper that the tools were for his job.

About five hours later, he was pulled over in Arkansas, still in possession of the suitcase and tools. At this point, Porter’s welfare had been accounted for, but Cristina still remained missing.

A few days later, Porter had yet another run-in with law enforcement. This time, an Arkansas Officer spotted Porter sleeping in a car with burns all over his face. 

source: CBS News

It was noted that this car was different than the car he had previously been driving. The police would later learn that the vehicle had been stolen. When this particular officer asked Porter why he was sleeping in the car, he told him that he was having car troubles and was getting some rest before attempting to fix it again. 

Cristina's phone.

Meanwhile, Cristina remained missing. On January 9th, officers investigating Cristina’s disappearance noticed that Cristina’s phone had been turned on in Cabot, Arkansas—the same area where the officer had spotted Porter sleeping in the car.

Investigators learned that Cristina’s phone had been pawned at the Wal-Mart in Cabot. Surveillance footage revealed that Porter and his husband were at Wal-Mart around the same time.

Porter's arrest and confession.

Porter was later arrested on auto theft charges at the home he shared with his husband in Little Rock. Once in custody, investigators questioned him about Cristina's disappearance. At some point during the questioning, Porter confessed to savagely beating and choking Cristina. 

Porter then admitted that he placed brought Cristina’s body to New Orleans, Louisiana. There, Porter placed her body in a shipping container and then placed several tires on top of her. He used several gallons of gasoline, burning himself in the process as he attempted to burn any evidence of her body. Porter then left the scene.

Finding and identifying Cristina.

Investigators eventually learned that the New Orleans’ Fire Department had responded to a fire in a shipping container in the junk yard on January 6th, 2018. While extinguishing the flames, a badly burned body was found.

An autopsy later confirmed the remains belonged to Cristina Prodan. As such, Porter's confession was substantiated. Porter was ultimately charged with kidnapping and second-degree murder in relation to Cristina's case.

Guilty plea and sentencing.

On January 12th, 2019, Porter pleaded guilty to second-degree unintentional murder. Judge Holton Dimick sentenced Porter to 20 years in prison. The recommended sentence was 15 to 18 years, however after Porter admitted that he did not call the police after accidentally killing Cristina, the judge gave him a longer sentence.

 At the sentencing, the judge told Porter, “When I read the criminal complaint, I thought I was watching a television movie of atrocious actions of a horrible person. I couldn’t believe how you treated this young lady.”

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Sources:
CBS News
Daily Mail
International Business Times
Patch
Pioneer Press
WBRZ

The Disappearance of JoJo Boswell

JoJo Boswell vanished at the age of 19 on July 11th, 2005. She was last seen after she was released from Steele County Jail, located in Owatonna, Minnesota. Records state that JoJo was in jail because she had been arrested for theft, however very few details are available surrounding her arrest or any potential charges.

The Jacob Wetterling Resource Center stated that on the day JoJo was released, she was driven by a Steele County Deputy to a Kwik Trip convenience store located on West Frontage Road. Other reports state that JoJo was later seen between 2:30 and 3:00 PM walking in front of Mills Fleet Farm, located just a few miles away from the Kwik Trip. An unidentified individual was reportedly seen walking up to JoJo and they began talking. The two walked away together, and JoJo has never been seen or heard from again.

Aside from the above details, there are very few details available in JoJo’s case. JoJo’s family believes that race played a role in the lack of media reports about her disappearance. JoJo is from a Native American family, and recent studies have shown that numerous police departments nationwide are not adequately identifying or reporting cases of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls. 

The Minneapolis Police Department is investigating JoJo’s disappearance. If you have any information that could help the case, please contact them at (612) 673-5373. Additionally, if you’d like to learn more about how you can help raise awareness about the epidemic of violence against Native American women in the United States, please visit this resource.  

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Sources:
Charley Project
Minnesota Department of Public Safety

Uncovered

The Disappearance of Brandon Swanson

19-year-old Brandon Swanson disappeared during the early morning hours of May 14th, 2008. He vanished after driving his car into a ditch while on the way to his family’s Marshall, Minnesota home.

The previous day, Brandon had completed his first year of classes at Minnesota West Community and Technical College, and he went out with a few friends to celebrate. He decided to head home around midnight. At some point shortly thereafter, Brandon drove his car into a ditch. He was not injured in the accident, but his car was stuck.

 

Brandon called his parents around 12:30 AM and told them that he had gotten his car stuck near the town of Lynd. His parents immediately headed out there to pick him up, but they were unable to locate him. Brandon later called his father back and told him that he could see the lights from the town, and he was going to walk towards it and meet them there. He remained on the phone with his father for the next 45 minutes as he walked towards his destination. 

Brandon and his parents continued to look for each other to no avail. Then, shortly after 2:00 AM Brandon’s father heard Brandon abruptly shout, “oh shit!” before their phone call was disconnected. Brandon’s parents continued to look for him for a few hours before finally calling the police at 6:30 AM.

Police looked into Brandon’s cell phone records, which revealed that Brandon had actually called his parents from the city of Porter, located 25 miles away from Lynd. Police then went to that area, where they found Brandon’s car stuck a ditch in nearby Taunton County. 

Source: Buzzfeed

It is unclear if Brandon was aware that he was not actually in Lynd. It was theorized that Brandon might’ve drowned after falling into the Yellow Medicine River, which is located near the area his car was found. However, extensive searches of the river have not found a body. 

There have also been numerous land searches of the surrounding areas that have also not produced any clues. Brandon’s parents do not believe he fell into the river; they stated that he was not clumsy, nor did he sound disoriented while he was on the phone with them. Despite the fact that Brandon crashed his car and might’ve been unaware of his location, it is not believed that he was drunk, either. Brandon’s friends said that he did have a “drink or two” at the celebration, but he was not noticeably intoxicated.

Foul play has not been ruled out in Brandon’s case. In fact, Brandon’s parents believe that foul play was responsible for their son’s disappearance. Since they do not think that Brandon drowned, they believe that foul play explains the abrupt ending of their phone call. They do not believe that Brandon would disappear on his own accord.

Investigators are still looking for leads/clues in Brandon’s case. If you have any information that could lead to his whereabouts, please contact the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department at 507-694-1664.

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Sources:
Charley Project
Grand Forks Herald
Medium