Living With Legacy of Father's Sins
Aug 17, 2010 — -- Melissa Moore grew up with an adoring dad. But behind his loving facade lurked a violent killer with a secret that would only be revealed years later.
Moore's father, Keith Jesperson, was one of the nation's most infamous serial killers. In the 199os he embarked on a five-year, five-state murdering spree resulted in the deaths of eight women. Jesperson was known as the "Happy Face Killer" for the anonymous confession letters sent to the Oregonian newspaper that he signed with a whimsical smiley face logo.
Watch the full story Friday on "20/20" at 10 p.m. ET
Moore spoke with "20/20" candidly about her life as a teenager after learning that her father killed multiple women. She talked about her fears when she decided to have children of her own and her message for those who bear the burden of the sins of their fathers.
"Logically I know he is the father that raised me and he is a serial killer, but... to combine the two, it's just not possible for me," Moore said. She also took "20/20" back to the scene of her youth, near a place where her father also killed and disposed of one of his victim's bodies.
The report includes a phone interview from prison with Jesperson, who recalls his killing spree in chilling detail.
ABC News Correspondent Juju Chang reports on "20/20" airing Friday, Aug. 20 at 10 p.m. ET
