Exclusive Interview: Holly Zuelle (Out There: Crimes of the Paranormal; Episode 4, “Jersey Witch Hunt”)

How did you first hear about the case of Jeannette DePalma?

It was entirely coincidental. I was making a film “Jessie” about a girl being chased in the woods by a killer. I ended up working on the film in Springfield, New Jersey, and then took a break and got lost in the Watchung reservation woods. My friend Ed told me about satanic sacrifices of dead animals that hang in the trees and how he always got spooked as a kid on Halloween because something happened in the woods to this girl and she died. So that night I researched on the computer and came across Jeannette DePalma’s story. I found a message board online called “Curious about a 30-year-old murder, where I connected with Jeannette’s nephew, John.

Hulu Series: https://www.hulu.com/series/out-there-crimes-of-the-paranormal-a56ffb88-db47-4dfa-9307-d01b2a27b4d1

What prompted you to start investigating the mystery surrounding Jeannette DePalma death?

John became ill and entrusted us with a box of Jeannette’s case files, asking us to solve her murder. When your friend passes away and asks you to solve his aunt’s murder and your left with her box of documents you have to make a difficult decision. Do you continue? We chose to proceed, filing a lawsuit that led to the release of additional documents, revealing what appeared to be a cover-up. It felt like I was living in an episode of The Killing Season with Joshua Zeman and Rachel Mills, delving into one of the most complex and unsettling unsolved murder cases, filled with countless twists and angles.

What can you tell us about the organization, Justice for Jeannette?

“Justice for Jeannette” is an organization dedicated to honoring Jeannette DePalma’s memory and seeking justice for her unsolved murder. Ed and I teamed up with John Bancey, Jeannette’s nephew, who shared that he wasn’t getting any information about her case. He described Jeannette as a kind, church-going evangelist and believed she was murdered. Together, we founded “Justice for Jeannette” to advocate for her and uncover the truth.

It’s been speculated that there is occult involvement in the death of Jeannette DePalma. What evidence leads to this assumption?

The police found Jeannette’s decomposed body on a 40-foot rock quarry called “The Devil’s Teeth,” so high they needed a fire truck ladder to retrieve her. A witch was brought to the scene, and initial reports suggested a satanic sacrifice due to makeshift crosses, stones around her head, and logs surrounding her. Newspapers sensationalized her death with headlines like “Girl Sacrificed in Witch Rite.”

This was before the satanic panic, but the 1970s were marked by a cultural clash between drugs, sex, and Satanism versus the Jesus hippie movement. In 1971, six months before Jeannette was murdered, John List killed his entire family, left their bodies in sleeping bags, and then fled.

Then, there was Michael Newell, who sacrificed himself for “40 legions of demons” in Vineland, New Jersey. Jeannette’s and Michael’s names appeared together in a newspaper article titled “Jersey Gives the Devil His Due.” Looking back at the articles, even Jeannette’s own pastor is quoted, claiming she was killed by Satanists because she was spreading her faith.

It’s believed Jeannette died by strangulation. Do you think this is true?

Yes. The original prosecutor indicated that Jeannette’s death would be classified as homicide by strangulation, but that ruling never occurred. Our organization believes Jeannette was targeted and murdered, and the cover-up continues to this day.

The story was featured in the Weird NJ magazine publication in a piece titled, Death on the Devil’s Teeth. How do you think this helped public awareness of Jeannette’s death?

Justice for Jeannette was started because of the book.  They defamed Jeannette’s name and make money off “Death on Devils teeth.” book which is a complete misdirection. We work directly with Jeannette’s family. All we want is justice for Jeannette and we will do what we have to do to get it.

Do you think the police mishandled this investigation?

Yes, it seems likely. Critical evidence may have been overlooked, and sensational rumors may have distracted from serious leads in 1972. The case remains unsolved, suggesting it wasn’t handled thoroughly.

How did you get involved in the Hulu series, Out There: Crimes of the Paranormal; Episode 4, “Jersey Witch Hunt”?

We were interviewed by The Daily Beast in article Cops Probe Witchcraft Links in Murder of New Jersey Student

After the article came out, we were then contacted by one of the producers of the Hulu TV show and brought the whole Justice for Jeannette team together to tell their side of the story. This is the first time in 52 years Jeannette’s story has been shared. Major thank you to the Duplass brothers, and Allie the executive producer for focusing on Jeannette’s story.

Do you think Out There: Crimes of the Paranormal is a good representation of the facts about the Jeanette DePalma mystery?

I believe Out There: Crimes of the Paranormal , Jersey Witch Hunt is a compelling representation of the facts surrounding the Jeannette DePalma mystery. The Duplass brothers did an exceptional job bringing Jeannette’s story to life, utilizing captivating visuals and interviews with key individuals, which allow the audience to draw their own conclusions after watching the show.

One of the most intriguing paranormal elements was the “miracle letter”. You will have to watch the show to find out.

Given the depth of information surrounding this case, many people are calling for a docuseries to explore all the facts in greater detail. There’s simply too much to cover in just one episode.

What was paranormal for you about the case?

The film had to be paranormal. It’s uncanny how everything played out from conception to film. Was Jeannette asking me for help?

Do you think we are closer to uncovering the mystery surrounding the death of Jeanette DePalma?

Yes, a tremendous number of people have contacted Justice for Jeannette. After the show, a woman came forward and said she knew Jeannette was murdered, all the kids did. Many people have blamed the police since 1972. Right now Jeannette’s story is viral on social media and it’s just getting bigger. I hope the authorities step in and relook at the case. Look at the Gilgo Beach murderers they made documentaries and the film before they solved it.

What’s going on with the story now? How can people help?

Even now, 52 years later, Justice for Jeannette recently spoke with the medical examiner’s office. Jeannette’s death certificate still reads “pending further study.” They stated that this status cannot remain and that it must be changed. It’s unbelievable that her death is still considered suspicious after all these years.

We started a petition to change her death on change.org. If people want to help they can sign it.

Petition: https://www.change.org/p/justice-for-jeannette-depalma-change-her-death-from-a-suspicious-death-to-a-homicide

Instagram: @hollyzuelle

http://JusticeforJeannette.com