Episode 23: Jennifer Duffy - New Smyrna Beach, FL

A quiet beach town, an early morning home invasion, and a young mother’s murder that shook the community.

Episode Summary

In this week’s episode of True Crime Unwind, we’re sharing the heartbreaking and haunting story of 21-year-old Jennifer Lynn Duffy, a loving mother, daughter, and sister whose life was stolen far too soon. Born in Toronto, Jennifer—known as Jenny to those closest to her—was described by everyone who knew her as sweet, kind, and full of life. She and her family eventually settled in the small Florida beach town of New Smyrna Beach, where she worked as a waitress and raised her two-year-old daughter, Amber.

But in the early morning hours of September 17, 1991, Jennifer’s peaceful home became the scene of a horrific tragedy. While asleep, Jennifer was attacked and fatally stabbed by an intruder who fled into the night. Her roommate, who had just begun moving in, was also stabbed but survived to call for help.

Jennifer’s family—close-knit and loving—arrived at the scene before paramedics had taken her away. They watched helplessly as first responders fought to save her life. It’s a moment her brother Michael says he’ll never forget. Despite tireless efforts from investigators, Jennifer’s murder remains unsolved more than three decades later. There have been persons of interest, similarities to other cases in the area, and dedicated detectives who continue to revisit the evidence—but no arrests have ever been made.

Her family has endured unimaginable heartbreak in the years since—losing two of Jennifer’s siblings and watching the ripple effects of grief and trauma spread through generations. Jennifer’s daughter, Amber, grew up without her mother, and her mother, Cathy, still searches for justice to this day. Someone out there knows what happened that night. Maybe it’s a memory, a rumor, or a secret that’s been buried for years. But Jennifer deserves justice—and her family deserves peace.

If you have any information about the murder of Jennifer Lynn Duffy, please contact:

New Smyrna Beach Police Department – 386-424-2220

FBI Tip Line – 1-855-835-5324

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