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A prison guard disappears amidst allegations of corruption and murder inside Frontera Prison.
CASE DETAILS Frontera Prison, in California, is one of the largest penitentiaries in America for women. Its maximum-security wing houses some of the state’s most dangerous female offenders. But it’s the alleged criminal activities of some guards and administrators that have drawn the most attention.  What did Lucas know about Jesslyn? It began with the mysterious disappearance of Frontera guard, Jesslyn Rich, in 1984. Some former prison employees believe that Jesslyn was silenced because of what she knew about a prison drug ring run by other guards. Jesslyn Rich was a 35 year-old divorced mother of two. While working at Frontera, she had maintained a straight “A” average in criminology classes at night school. At the time of her disappearance, Jesslyn had reportedly grown concerned about drug dealing inside the prison walls. Jesslyn was last seen at a country-western bar on November 11, 1984. She and a friend, Marilyn Ault, were joined by two male acquaintances. Marilyn recalled what happened that night:
Marilyn said that when Jesslyn suddenly excused herself to go to the bathroom, she noticed something suspicious:
 Betty was forced to sign the false report Jesslyn Rich literally vanished without a trace. To her family and friends, it seemed out of character for Jesslyn to abandon her children and to scrap her career aspirations. Her family believed that Jessica had been kidnapped and possibly murdered. But police investigators said they had no evidence to support that theory. Jesslyn’s brother, Gary Muntz, wasn’t buying it:
Gary tore apart his sister’s house, searching for clues. When he sifted through Jesslyn’s trash, he said he found evidence that her knowledge of illegal activities at the prison put her life in danger:
 A threat was scrawled in the margin The letter had been written to another guard at Frontera. Scrawled on the margin of the last page was Jesslyn’s haunting recital of an apparent threat she had received from the co-worker — that anyone interfering with his drug activities would be taken care of. At the time, this letter was the only concrete evidence indicating that Jesslyn had met with foul play. The case eventually went cold. Three years later, in 1987, an inmate named Terry Lucas, told a guard that she had information about Jesslyn Rich. She said she was being threatened by other guards to keep quiet. Betty Thompson, a former Frontera prison guard, recounted a conversation she had with Terry:
The next morning, Betty Thompson went to see Terry in the prison infirmary, where she was recovering from a cancer biopsy. Betty described what she found:
 The scandal was the subject of several articles Betty said that Terry’s body stayed in the cell for a full three days, before the county coroner’s office was called. According to Thompson, an official from the coroner’s office was mystified by what he found. Betty says there were blades of grass in Terry Lucas’ hair, and multiple bruises on her face, ears, neck, and lower arms. Her right arm appeared to be broken. According to Betty, the official came to a disturbing conclusion:
Betty Thompson said that after the official met with prison administrators in Lucas’ cell, he had a sudden change of heart:
Thompson says that one of her superiors demanded that she change her report on Terry Lucas’ death. According to Thompson, she was subjected to threats and intimidation for six hours:
Thompson says she finally gave in and signed a false report that had been typed for her:
Betty Thompson claims she later received a threatening phone call. The caller told her that if she didn’t learn to do things in a proper manner, she might end up in a muddy ditch. The following day, a prison officer casually asked her if she had received a call alluding to her being found in a ditch. Betty recalled her reaction:
Betty says the menacing calls continued for seven months. Then, in June of 1988, Betty was shot at from a moving car outside her home. Thankfully, she was unhurt. Betty said she immediately called the police, who arrived at her home moments later:
Eventually, the scandal was the subject of several front-page articles in the Orange County Register. These articles supported insider accounts of drug dealing and corruption. That year, Betty Thompson and five other guards testified before State Senate hearings on the alleged offenses at Frontera Prison. Officials at Frontera declined to be interviewed for this story. However, a spokesman for the California Department of Corrections did tell Unsolved Mysteries:
Watch this case now on Amazon Prime in season five with Robert Stack and in season one with Dennis Farina. Also available on YouTube with Dennis Farina. Various seasons available now on Hulu. SUBMIT A TIP |
Jeff
apparently this case was solved in 1992 and the suspect died in 1990:
https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-07-31-me-4597-story.html
Anonymous
I wish they wouldn’t just bury inmates in the jail after they die. They probably where not lying to that lady about never leaving that place if she didn’t sign a falsified report.
charma
wow
Avalon Munz
My grandpa is Gary Munz, her sister. I’ve grown up hearing so much about her and I still wonder to this day what happened to her. I really hope this isn’t a cold case and they find something someday. Rest in peace.
Joseph Janezich
Hi,
See the below article. It lists the name and info about the killer.
https://original.newsbreak.com/@b-1590585/2985597258287-inmates-death-highlights-corruption-in-woman-s-prison
Alex HS-D
This case has resonated with me, WHY is it so unknown?! Its completely and utterly insane. Reading comments from Jesslyn Rich’s and Teri Lucas’ family are heartbreaking, to say the least.
Its also very strange and upsetting that pretty much the only Google Results relate to the Unsolved Mysteries coverage, this case should be everywhere…
NicoleJo
Why has this story just disappeared??If you Google my name you’ll get at least 50 pages..Only this story comes up about this Guard and the inmate who was BRUTALLY MURDERED!! What can we do to get this out there and get justice for these women? This is America! Plz people don’t let this go unpunished
Leslie Grace
I’m Jesslyn’s youngest daughter.
Marcella Fellers
My step sisters are Jesslyns daughters. Their father married my mother 2 years before she disappeared. Me and Leslie are still very close to this day. And she swears it was not her mother that was found in SD. The prison was absolutely involved in her murder. And it has caused hell for my sister’s their entire life
Leslie Grace
I love U Marcie.
Blue bird
Oh My God No Why Did This Happen ?
Blue bird
This Is So Sad Both Women Had Lost Their Lives Why Was Both Women Murdered?
Jesslyn
I am not certain what happened, but my grandmother I think reacted in a way which she should not have. My mother, aunt and I finally laid her to rest and I do not believe that She made the choices she made on her own. I think someone in the police force felt threatened by her, because they had something to do with the situation. I do not care who that person was, but thank you, for tearing a good mother from their family. And I know you got what you deserved.
I didn’t get to know my grandmother and this is the closest I ever will get to know her. I believe life would have been better with her in it, but you decided otherwise for selfish gain. Thanks.
Leslie Grace
I love U, Jess.
John
It is amazing how this continues to grow feet and fuel the theory of conspiracy. In 2005, the FBI closed this case because the man they suspected of killing Rich passed away. They had him under surveillance for years but never could get enough on him to convict him. The FBI revealed to us that they found a hand in the desert they suspected of being Rich’s and confirmed she left the bar with this man. The man was not a prison employee nor was he affiliated with the prison in anyway. As far as Ms Thompson was concerned, the FBI discredited her story because of two glaring flaws: 1) she could not state the name of one supervisor or co-worker she reported her “findings” to and 2) since she only worked the hospital (infirmary clinic) one day she had no knowledge of how long Lucas was deceased. As followed this case, we found that an inmate claimed to have been forced to change reports but in reality testimony revealed this inmate oftentimes had staff (stupid) sign a blank sheet of paper where they signature would normally appear, and she typed up their story as she saw fit – all because the staff were too lazy to stay and complete their reports or too dumb to write clearly. Later, a forensic TV show (Unsolved Mysteries I believe) reported on everything I have said. Ms. Thompson got her stress retirement, the inmate got her transfer and release, the accused Lieutenant took a plea deal to avoid a trial and was basically exonerated anyway.
Leslie Grace
How did you find our site and may I ask who are you?
Jon Fu
you seem to know a lot about what’s happened? Where did you Work? Would you like to show me your FACE? Since name is NOT JOHN! You feeling GUILTY? Anyone with a heart would say I hope they find her and be brought home close to family. .
Mr. M. L. Jones
Hello.
I found your comment very interesting because you seem to be suggesting that you were somehow involved in the investigation in an official capacity, perhaps as a member of the FBI or another area of law enforcement.
For example, in this sentence, you use the word “us”: “The FBI revealed to us that they found a hand in the desert they suspected of being Rich’s and confirmed she left the bar with this man.”
Later, you say “we”:
“As followed this case [sic], we found that an inmate claimed to have been forced to change reports but in reality…”
Were you an investigator on this case?
Debbie
miss you my friend rest in peace
Kenny Ford
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sd-FwKJ9o64&feature=youtu.be
Kenny Ford
The link is to a video I have posted.
Kenny Ford
If anyone who comes across this page and reads the comments, and I am speaking really to Mrs. Lucas’ family, I can be contacted at kford10@liberty.edu.
I am not related to anyone involved in this case but I am friends with Mrs. Rich’s family. Answers are still being sought.
Leslie
If anyone here would like to get in touch with me u can find me on Facebook under Leslie Grace. I am wearing a pink shirt in my FB photo.
tru2him4e
So many yrs have gone by since my mother was brutally murdered. Time helps but the memories will never fade. My faith is Christ keeps me going. I know vengeance belongs to Him and those responsible for her death will answer for their actions.
Anonymous
I cry everyday for my mother (Terri Lucas). It hurts to know that these two women was wrongfully murder behind whatever negative dealings that went on in Frontera prison. My mother left behind four children who’s life has been so lost and empty behind this. I truly still pray for Ms.Rich as well and hope justice will be served her on earth or heaven..Rest well MOM I love and miss you so much!!
Kenny Ford
To Teri’s child who posted this, I can tell you that without a doubt YOU ARE NOT ALONE in dealing with this.
I may suggest that you search the name Jesslyn Rich on FB if you are interested in connecting with other people who are going through the same thing you are.
Kenny
A slight edit to my last reply: look for Justice for Jesslyn.
Kenny
The group is a closed group to ensure privacy but you can still ask to join.
Anonymous
I never new tery becuz she.died in 1987 i was born in1986 an still dnt know wat happen,to my mom
Tammy Rich
All my prayers to you and your family.
Hugs to you Tammy Rich
Anonymous
How old was your mom when she died? How old is the other 3 siblings?
Ms V
God bless and keep you strong and on the straight and narrow way. Rest assure God has the last say, and there is a thing called Karma; study law and you don’t have to give up because there is justice if you seek it.
Kenny
There is a group of those of us who think of these two women and of the injustice wrought upon both.
Jesslyn’s family has grown up and has family of their own now.
The desire for justice continues unabated.
And to the person who left the comments, please do not feel afraid to reach out!
Kenny
To the person who left the above comments, rest assured that there are those of us who fight to keep the memories of these women alive. They deserve justice even though the establishment has denied them this. I did not know either of these women but I am friends with Ms. Rich’s family.
Kenny
The memories of Jesslyn Rich and Teri Lee Lucas are being preserved as best as possible by those interested in the case…Those of us who did not know either of them who demand justice for these two women! It is a number that may seem small, but we are united! Let it be known that neither of these two women are forgotten and the families are not alone in this!
Taylor
So sad I hope you get justice one day
scared to say
Love u terry lucus never forget about how good you could fight u never lost a FIGHT IN your life so when i Hurd yo arm was broken i new why cuz u put up a good fight. I no you did unite terry if you believe in God their will be justice
scared to say
Its so . Sad sn unfair that terry was murdered she had four kids . I rmbr going shoping for terry lucus she was bouts to come home from prison her kids were so happy win they found out she died they were still nieve the oldest said my mom is not dead shes in jail. To this day they neva been the same terry has a host of grandkids she neva seen with the names TERRY DETERRYAN AN TERRI all kinds of terrys shes loved missed by many neva forgotten RIP terry an jessylyn.