Grace Doesn't Realize Her Tinder Date Is A Killer

The Night That Changed Everything

It was December 1st, 2018, when 22-year-old Grace Millane embarked on what was meant to be a joyful evening. Fresh from a backpacking journey that took her across continents, Grace met her Tinder date, Jesse Kempson, at a bar in Auckland. Little did she know, this night would culminate in horror rather than happiness. CCTV footage captured the pair leaving together, seemingly in high spirits, headed to Jesse’s hotel room. It was the last time Grace would ever be seen alive.

The Disappearance

The following day, Grace's birthday, alarm bells rang as her friends and family couldn't reach her. Days stretched into weeks with no word, prompting her loved ones to report her missing. Meanwhile, Jesse was caught on surveillance footage acting suspiciously—shuttling between elevators, carrying cleaning supplies, and a suitcase ominously filled with contents that would soon horrify the world. On that same day, he was plotting his next date, further complicating the case into a chilling narrative.

Unnatural Acts of Deception

As the day unfolded, Jesse's activities grew more alarming. After Grace was killed through strangulation, he meticulously cleaned the crime scene. He made a conspicuous shopping trip for a suitcase, intended to conceal Grace's body, and cleaning supplies used to wipe away any trace of his crime. Then, putting on a façade of normalcy, he proceeded to meet another Tinder date—exhibiting unnerving confidence as he discussed macabre topics like disposing of a body. The girl would later realize how close she came to becoming Jesse's next victim.

The Aftermath of Evil

For two harrowing days, Grace's family endured heartache, desperately searching for their beloved daughter. As the police began tracking Grace’s movements, Jesse’s web of lies began to unravel. Upon locating Jesse in the city, the police apprehended him just as he attempted to flee. Confronted with accumulating evidence, including his credit card transactions for cleaning supplies and an extra night at the hotel, the law began tightening its grip.

The Interrogation

In a chillingly self-incriminating interrogation, Jesse continually lied about his encounters with Grace, unaware that investigators had already pieced together extensive evidence against him. The more he spoke, the larger the hole he dug himself into, revealing contradictions in his statements about their meeting and the events that followed. When presented with evidence of a dark shopping spree and an extra hotel stay, the facade began to crack.

The Shocking Confession

Under mounting pressure, Jesse confessed to Grace's murder. His defense was disturbingly framed around a claim that she had consented to an “extreme” encounter, referencing the erotic nature of the “50 Shades of Grey” narrative. Claiming panic and confusion, he described the moments leading up to Grace's death as if they were portrayed in a film rather than a fatal encounter.

The Investigation’s Grisly Findings

Following his confession, investigators uncovered a horrifying sequence leading up to Grace’s discovery. Google searches for ways to hide a body pointed to a premeditated plan. Jesse even documented Grace’s lifeless form before disposing of her in the Waitakere Ranges. Tragically, she was found on December 9, a victim of violence, bearing evidence of her struggle for life.

The Conviction

In New Zealand, murder charges are treated uniformly, without delineating degrees of murder. Despite maintaining an air of innocence, Jesse was found guilty of Grace's murder and sentenced to life in prison, with a minimum non-parole period of 17 years. Subsequent investigations revealed that two more women had come forward, alleging that they had been assaulted by Jesse after meeting him via Tinder.

Conclusion: Justice for Grace

Grace Millane’s story is a haunting reminder of the dangers that can lurk beneath the surface of modern dating. Her tragic fate ignited discussions around safety, consent, and the delicate balance of trust. As Jesse Kempson serves his sentence, the question remains: How can society better protect individuals from becoming victims in the pursuit of love and connection? Grace’s story will not be forgotten, sparking changes that aim to prevent future tragedies of this nature.