Homeschooling’s 

Invisible Children

Jessyca Mullenberg

Content note: Case narratives include descriptions of severe violence inflicted on children, including abuse and neglect, sexual violence, torture, and murder, as well as mentions of suicide and domestic violence. They also include photos of victims and perpetrators of violence.

Jessyca
13-year-old Jessyca Mullenberg was kidnapped from her father’s home in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, by her writing teacher, Steven Oliver, on September 16, 1995. Oliver and Jessyca drove to Kansas City, Missouri, and then flew to Houston, Texas. Oliver took Jessyca from motel to motel, presenting himself as her father and physically, sexually, and mentally abusing her. Oliver bought homeschool books and gave Jessyca work out of them; if she did not finish in time, Oliver would hit her or tie her up. Jessyca was rescued after three and a half months in captivity when a motel owner recognized Oliver on America’s Most Wanted.

Date: September 16, 1995
Location: Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and Houston, Texas

Documents: Date:
For Kidnapped Kids, the Nightmare Continues after the Rescue 2007-03-17
Jessyca’s Story 2007-01-29
Kept in Captivity: Kidnap Victim Lives to Tell 2009-09-02