Jennifer as a baby. (Courtesy Bob Marcum)

Jennifer Marcum is born in Aurora, Colo., to Bob Marcum and Mary Willis.

Her parents will divorce when Jennifer is 6 months old,  and she will move to Springfield, Ill., with her mother and older sister at age 4.

Jennifer’s interests ranged from Wiffle ball and volleyball to reading and studying wildlife — especially lizards. As she got older, she also developed an appetite for mischief.

“She was a wild cat,” Willis said. “Sneaking out and being defiant. Testing the boundaries.”

Jennifer at 8. (Courtesy of Bob Marcum)

Because of trouble at home, Jennifer and her sister ended up in foster homes for a couple of years, but neither of her parents would share details.

“My ex-wife and I had a very dysfunctional relationship, and the kids didn’t enjoy life because of it,” said Bob Marcum.

Jennifer ended up dropping out of high school, marrying a former classmate and moving to Colorado Springs, where she got divorced after a year.