Dennis DePue was a Michigan man whose brutal 1990 crime not only shocked his local community but would later serve as the eerie inspiration behind the cult horror film Jeepers Creepers. For decades, his name remained in the shadows, overshadowed by myths, Hollywood embellishment, and internet lore. But as true crime continues to dominate podcast charts and streaming platforms in 2025, DePue’s story is again resurfacing, with many asking: Who was Dennis DePue, and what really happened?
Renewed interest in DePue’s case was sparked by a recent YouTube documentary by popular true-crime analyst Nick Crowley, which delves into the case’s disturbing details and the infamous Unsolved Mysteries segment that first aired in 1991. The real-life footage, coupled with similarities to the 2001 horror film, has made DePue a trending topic among true crime communities, horror fans, and curious searchers alike.
Early Life and Background of Dennis DePue
Born on November 21, 1943, in Michigan, Dennis DePue’s early life remains largely undocumented in public records. He was a white American male who led a mostly private and unremarkable life before his name became linked to one of Michigan’s most infamous crimes.
By all outward appearances, DePue was a mild-mannered man with a respectable career. He worked as a property assessor and lived in Coldwater, Michigan. He was married to Marilyn DePue, a high school counselor, and the couple had three children. Friends and neighbors described Dennis as soft-spoken but increasingly controlling and emotionally distant. While no detailed childhood trauma has been publicly verified, some accounts suggest a strict upbringing that may have shaped his temperament and behavior in adulthood.
Standing approximately 5 feet 10 inches and weighing around 170 pounds, DePue did not have the outward appearance of a killer. But by 1990, his marriage was crumbling—and his rage was quietly boiling over.
The Murder of Marilyn DePue and the Real Story Behind Jeepers Creepers
The tragic series of events began on Easter Sunday, April 15, 1990. DePue arrived at his ex-wife Marilyn’s home under the pretense of seeing their children. A heated argument ensued inside the house, witnessed by their son, after which Dennis savagely beat Marilyn in front of their kids. He then loaded her injured body into his van and drove off, never to bring her back alive.
Later that day, two witnesses—Ray and Marie Thornton—were driving through rural Coldwater when they noticed a suspicious van tailing them and a man dumping a blood-soaked sheet behind an abandoned schoolhouse. That schoolhouse, along with the eerie chase and the van, would later form the spine of Jeepers Creepers' opening scene.
Marilyn DePue’s body was later discovered behind an abandoned building in Lenawee County. She had been shot in the back of the head. Her killer had gone on the run.
The case was featured on a 1991 episode of Unsolved Mysteries, leading to a massive national manhunt. A viewer in Dallas recognized Dennis DePue from the segment and alerted the authorities. After a high-speed chase across Louisiana, DePue died by suicide with a self-inflicted gunshot wound on March 21, 1991.
Dennis DePue and Jeepers Creepers: What’s the Connection?
Though Jeepers Creepers director Victor Salva has never officially credited Dennis DePue as the inspiration for the Creeper, the similarities are undeniable. The opening scene of the 2001 horror film—featuring a mysterious van stalking a brother and sister before disposing of what appears to be a body behind an old church—is a near-exact re-creation of the events reported by Ray and Marie Thornton.
Many horror enthusiasts and YouTube theorists have dissected the film’s opening sequence and compared it to the Unsolved Mysteries footage, noting eerie similarities right down to the color of the van and the layout of the road. This connection has made DePue a central figure in horror folklore, often dubbed “the real Creeper” by online communities.
In 2025, this true crime-horror crossover continues to fuel viral TikTok, podcasts, and fan-made videos, making DePue’s name infamous long after his death.
Just as real-life stories often inspire chilling works of fiction, many cultural icons from the same era also left a powerful legacy, such as Wayne Lewis of Atlantic Starr, whose sound defined the 1980s.
Personal Life and Troubled Marriage of Dennis DePue
Dennis DePue’s relationship with Marilyn was anything but peaceful. After 18 years of marriage, the couple separated in 1989. Marilyn had reportedly grown fearful of Dennis’s controlling behavior and filed for divorce, seeking full custody of their three children.
While the details of their marriage have been partially reconstructed through police records and interviews with those who knew them, it’s clear that Dennis was unwilling to accept the divorce. He reportedly sent threatening letters and tried to assert visitation rights in erratic and forceful ways.
There’s no public record of Dennis DePue having other romantic relationships after his marriage, nor any mention of close friendships. In the years leading up to the crime, he had become increasingly isolated, emotionally detached from his children, and professionally stagnant.
What Was Dennis DePue’s Net Worth and Lifestyle Before His Death?
Unlike most notorious criminals who gain infamy after living flashy lives or accumulating wealth through illegal means, Dennis DePue lived modestly. His estimated net worth at the time of his death in 1991 was never officially disclosed but was presumed to be minimal. He worked as a property assessor—a middle-income profession—and lived in a standard suburban home in Coldwater.
There’s no record of lavish spending, property holdings, or business ventures. Most reports suggest DePue lived an unassuming life right up until his heinous act. He did not own luxury cars or travel extensively. His “lifestyle” was marked more by internal torment and control issues than financial ambition or public presence.
TL;DR Summary
Dennis DePue was a Michigan man whose 1990 murder of his ex-wife became a haunting true crime case, later believed to have inspired the horror film Jeepers Creepers. His story resurfaced thanks to Unsolved Mysteries and viral YouTube analysis. DePue fled after the murder and eventually died by suicide following a police chase. In 2025, his case remains a chilling reminder of how real horror can fuel fiction—and vice versa.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dennis DePue
Is Dennis DePue the real Creeper from Jeepers Creepers?
While never officially confirmed, many believe the opening scenes of Jeepers Creepers are based on the real-life actions of Dennis DePue, particularly the van scene and the abandoned building.
What happened to Dennis DePue’s children?
For privacy reasons, little is publicly known about the lives of Dennis DePue’s three children. They reportedly stayed with Marilyn's family after her death.
Where can I watch the Dennis DePue Unsolved Mysteries episode?
The episode originally aired in 1991 and has resurfaced on YouTube and various streaming platforms. Watch here.
Was Dennis DePue caught?
Yes. After the Unsolved Mysteries episode aired, DePue was recognized by a viewer. He died by suicide during a police pursuit in 1991.