Jessie Clifton was just a little girl in 1998 when her younger sister Maddie vanished from their quiet neighborhood in Jacksonville, FL. As the minutes ticked into hours, panic set in. What followed was horrific — a massive police search, a media frenzy, and finally a devastating discovery: 8-year-old Maddie had been murdered. Her killer? A 14-year-old boy from their own neighborhood.
Jessie opens up in this raw and painfully personal podcast episode — recounting the exact moment her world changed, the shock of betrayal when the identity of the killer was revealed, and how trauma has impacted every facet of her life from that day forward.
This is also a story of continued healing. Jessie shares how therapy, dance, and her fiancé’s unwavering support has helped her reclaim her life. Today, she uses her voice and experience to speak out about the long-term impact of childhood trauma — and the importance of safety, awareness, and support for kids in every community.
Guests
- Jessie Clifton
