News Coverage of Jesse’s Death and Our Fight for Justice
Reporters have been part of this story from the beginning.
Some of these pieces were written in the first days after Jesse was killed. Others came months later, when we were still waiting for answers, or when a suspect was finally charged.
We’re gathering them here so people can see how this unfolded in real time.
Suspect facing charges in Florence teen’s hit-and-run death in Hatfield last year
Daily Hampshire Gazette – March 21, 2024
This article announces that, almost a year after Jesse was killed, a juvenile suspect would finally face charges in connection with his death. It describes the bonfire in the Hatfield meadows, the hit‑and‑run, and how long the investigation took.
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Mother of hit-and-run victim speaks a year after her son’s death
Western Mass News – March 20, 2024
In this TV segment and article, Jesse’s mom talks publicly about her grief and frustration one year after his death. It covers the lack of answers, the impact on our family, and the early stages of what would become Jesse’s Justice and Jesse’s Law.
Watch / read on Western Mass News
Law firm clarifies circumstances of Florence teen’s death
Daily Hampshire Gazette – March 28, 2023
This early piece explains what was known about the night Jesse died: the bonfire, the Hatfield meadows, the truck, and the fact that he was left in a field after being hit. It helped correct some initial confusion and rumors.
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‘He was always there for me’: Vigil held for Florence teen Jesse Johansmeyer
Daily Hampshire Gazette – April 1, 2023
Coverage of the candlelight vigil at Childs Park, where friends, classmates, and family remembered Jesse as funny, loyal, and always ready to make people smile. It includes quotes from young people who spoke about what he meant to them.
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Teen hit by truck in remote western Mass. cornfield dies from injuries
CBS Boston – March 27, 2023
One of the first regional stories about Jesse’s death, this report focuses on the basic facts: a teen struck by a truck in a Hatfield cornfield, taken to the hospital, and later dying from his injuries.
Watch / read on CBS Boston
1 killed after pedestrian struck by car in Hatfield
Western Mass News – March 27, 2023
A brief early report about a pedestrian killed in Hatfield, before Jesse’s name and more details were widely shared. It marks the moment when the public first started to hear that something terrible had happened that night.
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Family frustrated with pace of investigation into Florence teen’s death in March
Daily Hampshire Gazette – October 4, 2023
Six months after Jesse’s death, this story highlights our family’s frustration with how long the investigation was taking and the lack of visible progress. It also quotes officials explaining the length and complexity of the case.
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Teen dies after being hit by truck in western Mass. corn field
NECN – March 27, 2023
Another early regional piece summarizing the crash and Jesse’s death, from the perspective of a broader New England audience. It reinforces how quickly the story reached beyond our immediate community.
Watch / read on NECN
‘Live like Jesse’: Celebration of life held for NHS grad
Ground News aggregation of local coverage – May 2023
This link points to coverage of the celebration of life held at the Hadley Young Men’s Club, where people gathered to remember Jesse and talk about “living like Jesse” going forward. It shows the love and community that grew up around his memory.
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