Jasmine Berntsen, a 22-year-old college student, vanished without a trace on January 10, 2023. Her disappearance has left her family, friends, and the community in shock and disbelief. This timeline provides a detailed account of the events leading up to and following Jasmine’s disappearance.
January 10, 2023: Last Known Contact
- 9:30 AM: Jasmine was last seen leaving her apartment in downtown Bellevue, Washington. She was on her way to a morning class at Bellevue College.
- 10:00 AM: Jasmine was scheduled to attend her first class, but she never showed up.
- 2:00 PM: Concerned friends and family members began calling and texting Jasmine, but her phone went unanswered.
January 11, 2023: Missing Person Report Filed
- 6:00 AM: Jasmine’s family filed a missing person report with the Bellevue Police Department.
- 1:00 PM: A search and rescue team was dispatched to Jasmine’s apartment and the surrounding area.
- 5:00 PM: Police released Jasmine’s missing person flyer and asked for the public’s help in locating her.
January 12-15, 2023: Extensive Search
- Police conducted a thorough search of Jasmine’s apartment, the college campus, and the surrounding neighborhoods.
- Volunteers organized search parties and combed through parks, hiking trails, and wooded areas in the region.
- The FBI joined the investigation and analyzed Jasmine’s phone and social media records.
January 16, 2023: Search Narrowed Down
- Police identified several surveillance cameras along Jasmine’s route to campus.
- Footage from one camera showed Jasmine getting into a dark-colored sedan at an intersection near her apartment.
- Police released the footage to the public and asked for assistance in identifying the vehicle.
January 17-20, 2023: Possible Suspect Emerges
- A witness came forward and identified the driver of the dark-colored sedan as a man named Michael Smith.
- Police obtained a search warrant for Smith’s apartment and found evidence linking him to Jasmine’s disappearance.
- Smith was arrested and charged with aggravated kidnapping.
January 21-February 10, 2023: Trial and Sentencing
- Smith pleaded not guilty to the kidnapping charges.
- The trial lasted for three weeks and included testimony from witnesses, expert analysis of the evidence, and dramatic confrontations between the prosecution and defense.
- On February 10, 2023, Smith was found guilty of aggravated kidnapping and sentenced to life in prison without parole.
Jasmine Berntsen’s Legacy
Jasmine Berntsen’s disappearance and tragic end shocked the community and raised awareness about the dangers of stranger danger and the importance of personal safety. Her legacy lives on through the tireless efforts of her family and friends to support other missing persons’ cases and advocate for victim’s rights.
- Delaying reporting the disappearance: It is crucial to contact the authorities immediately if someone goes missing.
- Assuming the person will return on their own: Many missing persons are victims of foul play or are in situations where they cannot return home.
- Searching in the wrong areas: Focus on the person’s last known location and the areas they frequented.
- Relying solely on social media: While social media can be helpful in spreading the word, it should not replace coordinated search efforts with law enforcement.
- Giving up hope: Never lose faith that the missing person will be found. Continue searching and advocating for their safe return.
- Gather as much information as possible: Identify the person’s full name, age, photo, clothing description, and any unique characteristics.
- Check their phone and social media: Determine their last known contacts, locations, and activities.
- Contact local law enforcement: File a missing person report immediately and provide detailed information about the person.
- Organize search parties: Gather volunteers and coordinate search efforts in the missing person’s last known location and frequented areas.
- Use technology: Utilize GPS trackers, surveillance cameras, and search databases to assist in the search.
- Spread the word: Create flyers, social media posts, and press releases to raise awareness about the missing person.
- Offer rewards: Consider offering rewards for information leading to the person’s safe return.
- Never give up: Continue searching and advocating for the missing person’s safe return until they are found.