DeepSummary
On January 1, 2007, college student Jody Sanderholm vanished after attending a dance practice. Her disappearance prompted a massive search effort by law enforcement and volunteers. Evidence pointed to Justin Thurber, a former acquaintance with a history of stalking Jody and other young women. Thurber had been following Jody and was likely waiting for her at her home when she arrived.
Investigators found Jody's belongings discarded at a local fishing lake and noticed suspicious tire tracks, leading them to drain the lake and discover Jody's car submerged in the water. Despite an extensive search, Jody's body wasn't found until days later in a remote wooded area. The autopsy revealed she had been brutally beaten, tortured, and sexually assaulted before being strangled to death.
Thurber was charged and convicted of Jody's murder, receiving a death sentence. The case highlighted the dangers of stalking and prompted changes to Kansas anti-stalking laws, known as 'Jody's Law,' to allow earlier intervention by law enforcement in such cases.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Stalking is a serious crime that should not be ignored or dismissed as a lesser offense.
- Jody Sanderholm's tragic murder prompted legislative changes to strengthen anti-stalking laws in Kansas.
- Justin Thurber had a disturbing history of stalking and harassing young women, which escalated to Jody's abduction, torture, and murder.
- The investigative process and extensive search efforts in Jody's case are highlighted, showcasing the dedication and resources required in such cases.
- Jody's family endured immense grief and trauma compounded by the timing of her sister's pregnancy and childbirth.
- The episode aims to raise awareness about stalking and support organizations dedicated to preventing and addressing this issue.
- The dangers of dismissing or minimizing stalking behavior are emphasized through Jody's case and the brutality of her murder.
- The legal definition of stalking is provided to clarify what constitutes this criminal behavior.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “In honor of Jodie and her story and all victims of stalking, Audiochuk has decided to sponsor an incredible organization called the Stalking Prevention, Awareness and Resource Center, or SPARK.“ by Ashley Flowers
- “Jennifer even said in that episode that once she gave birth, she said, quote, I had a newborn child that I had to take care of, and my mind could not process the good and the bad that were happening at the exact same time in my life.“ by Ashley Flowers
- “For so long, stalking has been treated as a lesser crime, an annoyance, maybe, or an inconvenience.“ by Ashley Flowers
- “The Victim Connect Resource Center, a program sponsored by the nonprofit advocacy organization the National Center for Victims of Crime, has a simple definition, although keep it in mind that each state has its own. But, Britt, do you want to read what stalking is, according to them? 'It's, quote, a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear.'“ by Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat
Entities
Product
Person
Organization
Podcast
Episode Information
Crime Junkie
audiochuck
2/12/24
When a beloved college student disappears on her way home one January day in 2007, a massive city-wide ground search is initiated, and the community is hopeful that she’ll be found and brought safely home. But as hope starts to dwindle, investigators realize that a predator has been stalking their community for years, hiding in plain sight.
For more information on Texas Equusearch, please visit their website, texasequusearch.org.
For more information about the Stalking Prevention, Awareness, & Resource Center (SPARC), please visit their website, stalkingawareness.org.
- If you or someone you know is a victim of stalking, please reach out to the VictimConnect Resource Center at 1-855-484-2846, or you can chat online at victimconnect.org.
- You can also contact the following resources:
- The National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
- RAINN’s National Sexual Abuse Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
Remember to vote for Crime Junkie for iHeart Radio’s Podcast of the Year! Visit iheart.com/podcast-awards to submit your vote!
Did you know you can listen to this episode ad-free? Join the Fan Club! Visit https://crimejunkie.app/library/ to view the current membership options and policies.
Source materials for this episode cannot be listed here due to character limitations. For a full list of sources, please visit: https://crimejunkiepodcast.com/murdered-jodi-sanderholm/
Don’t miss out on all things Crime Junkie!
- Instagram: @crimejunkiepodcast | @audiochuck
- Twitter: @CrimeJunkiePod | @audiochuck
- TikTok: @crimejunkiepodcast
- Facebook: /CrimeJunkiePodcast | /audiochuckllc
Crime Junkie is hosted by Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat.
- Instagram: @ashleyflowers | @britprawat
- Twitter: @Ash_Flowers | @britprawat
- TikTok: @ashleyflowerscrimejunkie
- Facebook: /AshleyFlowers.AF
Text Ashley at +1 (317) 733-7485 to talk all things true crime, get behind the scenes updates, random photos of Chuck, and more!