Final Victim of the Happy Face Killer Has Been Identified

RIVERSIDE – As the 34th anniversary of the discovery of her body approaches on Aug. 30, investigators have identified the final unidentified victim of serial killer Keith Hunter Jesperson, known as the “Happy Face Killer.”

The woman, previously referred to by investigators as “Claudia,” has been identified as Lydia Jane Wade McWhorter.

Lydia’s body was found on Aug. 30, 1992, along Highway 95, approximately seven miles north of Blythe. Jesperson later confessed to her murder and told investigators he had met her while working as a long-haul truck driver. He referred to the woman as “Claudia,” but investigators were never able to confirm that was her real name.

In 2024, the Riverside County Regional Cold Case Homicide Team publicly appealed for information that could help identify her. At that time, advances in DNA technology and genetic genealogy had allowed investigators to identify relatives on Lydia’s paternal side, but a maternal connection was still needed to confirm her identity.

An investigative lead received by our team led us to a direct maternal relative of Lydia’s. Following that lead, investigators identified a possible genetic connection to a member of Lydia’s maternal family. Earlier this week, a DNA sample confirmed the connection, allowing investigators to positively identify the woman as Lydia Jane Wade McWhorter.

Lydia’s sisters that she grew up with spent decades not knowing what happened to her after she disappeared from Texas in the 1990s.

“I want to thank the public for the role you play in our investigations,” said Billy Hester, Supervising Investigator of the Cold Case Unit. “When people take the time to share information, submit a tip or simply pay attention to what is happening in their community, it can make a real difference. You may not know where a piece of information will lead, but our investigators will follow it. Most importantly, I hope this will finally bring closure to Lydia’s family.” The District Attorney’s Office Division of Victim Services is working with Lydia’s family as they determine how they would like to honor and lay her to rest.

Jesperson pleaded guilty to Lydia’s murder in Riverside County on Jan. 8, 2010, and was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. He is currently serving multiple life sentences in Oregon.

With Lydia’s identification, the Riverside County Regional Cold Case Homicide Team has closed the final case associated with the murders for which Jesperson was convicted.

The 2024 news release seeking the public’s help in identifying Lydia, including additional details about her appearance, the circumstances surrounding her death and the investigation, can be found here.