TRAGEDY transpired when a wife and mother of two was found dead in her own home.
Police initially believed Julie Jensen’s death to be a suicide, until they uncovered a secret letter that said otherwise.
Who was Julie Jensen?
Born on February 26, 1958, the late Julie Jensen née Griffin was a mother of two and a resident of Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Julie’s family and loved ones remember her “gentle, carefree, and easy-going nature.”
She was described as “warm, caring, and sincere,” who was “somewhat quiet” but “enjoyed being with people.”
Prior to her passing, Julie was married to her husband Mark Jensen for 14 years.
Julie and Mark met while they were both attending University of Wisconsin Parkside.
Julie died on December 3, 1998, she is survived by her and Mark’s two sons David and Douglas.
She is also survived by her four brothers Larry, Michael, Paul, and Patrick.
She was proceeded in death by her brother Richard, who she requested to be buried in close proximity to.
However, her husband went against her wishes and had her cremated.
In the weeks leading up to her death, Julie wrote a letter that foreshadowed her demise.
What happened to Julie?
On the day of Julie’s death, her husband Mark contacted law enforcement after he claimed she died in her sleep.
Investigators discovered traces of ethylene glycol in her system.
Ethylene glycol is a hard-to-detect poison found in antifreeze.
Sometime later, local authorities unearthed a letter Julie penned before she met her end.
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The late victim wrote: “I pray I am wrong and nothing happens …but I’m suspicious of Mark’s suspicious behavior and fear for my early demise.
“If anything happens to me, he would be my first suspect.
“Our relationship has deteriorated to the polite superficial.
“I would never take my life because of my kids — they are everything to me!”
On February 21, 2008, Mark was found guilty of Julie’s murder and sentenced to life in prison.
The court overturned his conviction in 2013 and granted him a new trial.
The outcome remained similar to the first trial; Mark was found guilty of first-degree intentional homicide on February 1, 2023.
How can I watch Julie’s episode of ABC’s 20/20?
Julie’s demise and the subsequent murder investigation are retold in an episode of ABC’s 20/20 titled What Really Happened to Julie Jensen?
What Really Happened to Julie Jensen? is scheduled to air on February 10, 2023.
That Friday at 9pm EST, show anchor Whit Johnson interviews family, friends, and legal officials who were close to the case and trial.
For those that miss Friday’s broadcast, there are streaming options available.
When the episode’s cable premiere concludes, audiences can head on over to watch the special by streaming it on Hulu.
