Background

Jesse Campbell was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois to parents David and Ju-Yi Campbell, in 1960. He was the youngest of three siblings, and the first to have completed college out of their family. Jesse’s childhood was relatively unremarkable, until his parents began to push him further. He would complete high school while both attaining and maintaining high grades and a sports career, having played as a wingman on his high school’s hockey team. As a teenager, he’d also felt pressured by his father - who was a Veteran of the Korean War - to follow his older brother’s footsteps and join ROTC. Jesse was lucky enough to be enrolled in a high school that offered advanced placement classes, and with his parents encouragement he enrolled. It was 1978 when he graduated and he’d set his sights years prior on medical school - rather than join the military. He patiently attended a community college while completing his non-medical undergrad classes. He would apply for medical school prior to his graduation from community college. Jesse’s parents were over the moon when he’d opened his acceptance letter to the prestigious Stanford Medical School in California. Later that summer he would board a train bound for Cali, where he’d begin his multi year long study into working towards becoming a surgeon. During his college career, Jesse focused not only on his grades - but on physical wellness and athletics as well. The University did offer an ice hockey team, which he tried out for - and was accepted on, to play the same position he had for a few years prior. Jesse found himself relishing in the praise from his peers and mentors. He worked dutifully towards making a name for himself, no longer feeling as though he dwelled in the shadows of his parents. Upon graduation, he entered the University’s reconstructive and plastic surgical residency program - which lasted seven years. During this time Jesse primarily focused on his studies and training, rather than personal relationships. There were a few relationships however, that stood out. One relationship he’d established was that of one with an Andrew Bennett. Jesse had met Andrew throughout his surgical residency. The two were similarly matched, ambition wise. The two would contemplate - and ultimately decide to open a practice together after completing their residencies in 1990. By this time, Jesse was already pretty well-indebted financially. Funding for the clinic was mainly established by Andrew’s family. Together, the pair had decided on a name: Bay Area Beauty and Reconstruction, or BABAR. The pair relocated to the San Francisco area to take over a renovated building for their clinic. The first year of the clinic was a flourishing success. The two surgeons were able through word of mouth to start to build a client list before they’d even fully opened their doors. The pair offered a variety of medical services, ranging from outpatient and non-invasive, to full reconstructive surgeries. Ever self critical of failure, Jesse and Andrew kept each other in practical check - striving to ensure that patients received the highest level of precision and care. This would not save them from facing a malpractice lawsuit. In Oct. 91, the clinic and pair of surgeons would be faced with legal consequences. Nearing the end of that same year, they would be approached by a prior client. Only this time she was accompanied by armed men. What followed was an entanglement of sorts. This woman had associations and friends in devious places. She’d come seeking medical care, and had explained she wasn’t able to go to an emergency room. The armed men punctuated her request, not leaving much bargaining room for the surgeons. Jesse had assisted Andrew in removing the bullet that was lodged in her shoulder. They sewed her up, but in doing so they cemented an ill-favored business venture. The pair of surgeons would be roped into performing a multitude of tasks and surgeries, backed by the desires and dollars of that woman and her armed associates. The pair continued on, Jesse working diligently as possible alongside Andrew. They would take scheduled trips for conferences, often performing discreetly in the shadows of whatever city they found themselves in. Their associates would provide coordinates and instructions. Money continued to flow during this time - as the pair feared economic ruin with the looming malpractice suit. Jesse would find himself with new instructions in late February of 93. He was to journey with Andrew, this time to New York City. The pair were to board the Silver Meridian, along with two of their armed associates. Tickets had been paid for by the organization - opting out was not an option for the pair. Jesse’s schedule at the clinic had been cleared - and his bags packed in preparation for their departure.