Hartford (53027) Shock: Who Killed Jessie Blodgett? Daniel Bartelt’s Chilling Past Reexamined – WHERE IS HE NOW?

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Hartford (53027) –Jessie Blodgett was just 19 years old when her life was cut short in July 2013, sending shockwaves through the tight-knit community of Hartford, Wisconsin. A bright college student, gifted musician, and advocate for peace, Jessie was found strangled in her bedroom by her mother—a tragic discovery that launched an intense murder investigation. Within days, police would arrest someone few expected: Daniel Bartelt, Jessie’s former prom date and longtime friend.

Credit: [@Justice4JessieWI]
Credit: [@Justice4JessieWI]

Bartelt, then 20, had appeared to be a clean-cut, aspiring filmmaker. But investigators soon uncovered a dark and disturbing double life. Just days before Jessie’s murder, Bartelt had attacked a woman in a park with a chokehold and zip ties—an incident eerily similar to Jessie’s death. DNA evidence, surveillance footage, and his own chilling inconsistencies during police interviews ultimately led to his arrest and conviction. In 2014, he was sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Now, over a decade later, the case continues to resonate nationwide, prompting true-crime documentaries and renewed public interest. With no chance of parole, Bartelt remains behind bars at Waupun Correctional Institution. The Blodgett family, meanwhile, has dedicated their lives to advocacy against violence and promoting Jessie’s legacy through music and education.

Key Facts

  • BREAKING: Renewed interest in Jessie Blodgett’s case amid true-crime documentary release

  • IMPACT: Community still grieving and advocating for anti-violence reform

  • OFFICIAL SOURCE: “The crime was planned, predatory, and deeply personal” – District Attorney Mark Benson

  • ACTION: Viewers urged to support local victim advocacy groups and violence prevention programs

Hyperlocal Impact

  1. Precise Location:
    Hartford (53027) – Near Grand Avenue and State Street, where Blodgett was found

  2. Community Connection:
    “Jessie brought beauty into every space—her voice still echoes here.”
    Elaine Ritter, owner of Café Harmony, a venue Jessie often performed at

Exclusive Angle

  • WHY THIS MATTERS NOW:
    A recent streaming docuseries on Netflix has reignited public attention on the Jessie Blodgett murder, sparking emotional responses and raising questions about how communities detect early signs of violence in people they know and trust.

Update Log

  • 3:30 PM: Netflix doc reaches Top 10, renewed focus on Daniel Bartelt’s behavior

  • 1:15 PM: Jessie’s family releases new scholarship fund in her name

  • 10:00 AM: Waupun Correctional confirms Bartelt remains in custody, no parole eligibility

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