Shivangi Sinha
The murder of Jessica Currin deeply devastated her entire family, leaving a lasting void that time has not healed. Her parents, Joe and Jean Currin, have remained steadfast advocates for justice, determined to keep her memory alive. Although Quincy Omar Cross was convicted in 2008, Joe has publicly expressed that the case should be reopened to ensure the whole truth comes to light. Their emotional journey, the toll of the years-long legal battles, and their continued fight for answers have been featured in ABC’s ‘20/20’ episode titled ‘Lost in the Night: Who Murdered Jessica Currin,’ offering insight into their perspective and enduring pain.
Joe and Jean Currin Expressed Relief When Quincy Omar Cross Was Convicted
Joe Marshall and Jean House Currin were immensely proud of their eldest daughter, Jessica Currin, who was the light of their lives. She was kind, caring, and full of potential, and when she became a mother to her son, Zion, she embraced the role with love and determination. Though only 18 years old, Jessica moved out of her parents’ home to build a life of her own, but Joe and Jean remained deeply involved and helped her raise Zion, ensuring he was surrounded by family. The Currins had always been a close-knit family, raising their four children —Jessica, Joe Currin II, Josh, and Jalisa — with strong values and a zest for life.
On July 29, 2000, when Joe and Jean couldn’t reach Jessica, they grew worried and began calling everyone they knew. Days later, their worst fears came true. Joe, who worked for the Mayfield Fire Department, was at the scene when Jessica’s remains were discovered behind Mayfield Middle School. He identified her through personal belongings, and despite the unbearable loss, he vowed to fight for justice. In the years that followed, Joe and Jean led an emotional and determined campaign seeking answers. When the early investigation was dismissed in 2003 due to procedural issues, hope began to dim. Yet, they never gave up. Finally, in 2008, when Quincy Omar Cross was convicted of Jessica’s murder, Joe expressed relief that justice had at last been served for his daughter, the child who had meant everything to them.
Joe and Jean Currin Have Demanded a Reopening of the Investigation
Joe and Jean Currin have remained steadfast at the forefront of the fight for justice for their daughter, Jessica Currin. In recent years, as new alleged evidence has surfaced and the Kentucky Innocence Project (KIP) began working on Quincy Omar Cross’s case around 2022, Joe has openly shared his thoughts about the latest developments. He has called for the case to be reopened and demanded that the real perpetrators be held accountable. In a remarkable show of unity, Joe has expressed solidarity with Cross’s father, and the two men have stood side by side, united by their pursuit of truth and justice.
Both Joe and Jean have publicly supported Cross’ bid for innocence, believing that the full story behind Jessica’s murder is yet to be uncovered. Speaking to CNN, Joe said, “We’ve just always [been] hoping that the truth would bring itself out. But when you’ve got more people hiding the truth than you do trying to get to the truth, it’s kind of hard to do.”
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Joe and Jean Currin Make the Most of Their Family Lives Today
Joe and Jean Currin continue to reside in Mayfield, Kentucky, where they have built a life centered around family. Joe even rose to the rank of Fire Chief in Mayfield, Kentucky, but he seems to have retired now. Life has not been easy for them. On June 23, 2024, they suffered another devastating loss when their son Josh Currin passed away, leaving behind his own family. Losing a second child was a heartbreak few could endure, yet Joe and Jean have shown incredible strength and grace through it all.
Their remaining children, Joe Currin II and Jalisa, along with their six grandchildren — Zion, Zane, Genie, Joe III, CJ, and Cannon — have been their source of hope and joy. They have played an active role in raising Zion, Jessica’s son, whom they cherish as their own. The Currins visit Jessica’s grave often, ensuring that Zion grows up knowing his mother’s memory and the fight for her justice. Even after years of pain, they remain family-oriented and deeply devoted, holding onto love and perseverance despite life’s many trials.
