In this gripping discussion, Richard Schlesinger, a seasoned correspondent; Kevin Jones, the acquitted boyfriend; and James Bacon, a former police chief, delve into the tragic murder of beauty queen Nona Dirksmeyer. They explore the complexities of jealousy and betrayal that surrounded her case. Kevin shares his harrowing experience as a prime suspect, while Schlesinger uncovers the emotional turmoil in the community. The dialogue unravels the intricacies of forensic evidence and the quest for justice that eventually shifted focus to new suspects.
Nona Dirksmeyer's participation in beauty pageants served as a vital outlet for healing and advocacy against childhood sexual abuse.
The investigative process following Nona's murder highlighted the difficulties in securing justice amid forensic evidence discrepancies and community skepticism.
Deep dives
Nona Dirksmeyer's Struggles with Abuse and Aspirations
Nona Dirksmeyer, a 19-year-old beauty queen, faced a tumultuous upbringing marked by her experience of childhood sexual abuse. Despite this traumatic past, she found solace in beauty pageants, which helped improve her self-esteem and become an advocate against child abuse. Her involvement in these pageants was not purely for accolades; it allowed her to share her story in hopes of preventing similar experiences for others. This empowerment transformed her into a compassionate individual who sought to make a positive difference in the lives of children grappling with similar adversities.
The Day of the Tragedy
On December 15, 2005, Nona was discovered dead in her apartment, prompting an emergency call made by her boyfriend, Kevin Jones. The scene revealed a brutal murder, with clear signs that she had been beaten, raising immediate suspicions towards Kevin as the primary suspect. Despite his claims of trying to revive her and his evident panic, his actions and emotional responses appeared inconsistent to the authorities at the crime scene. Investigators discovered that Nona had been bludgeoned with a lamp, escalating their scrutiny on Kevin as more evidence came to light.
Investigation and Suspicion of Kevin Jones
The investigation into Nona's murder quickly honed in on Kevin Jones, as forensic evidence linked him to the crime scene. A significant piece of evidence was a palm print found on the light bulb of the lamp used in the attack, which was marked with Nona's blood. Kevin’s behavior during and after the incident raised red flags for law enforcement, particularly his calm demeanor in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy. Despite repeatedly asserting his innocence and cooperating with the police, the mounting evidence against him painted a damning picture, leading to his eventual arrest.
Trial Outcomes and Continued Struggle for Justice
Kevin Jones stood trial for the murder of Nona Dirksmeyer, but the case was riddled with doubts stemming from the evidence presented. Ultimately, the jury found him not guilty, leading to a wave of controversy in the community regarding the adequacy of the investigation. Following his acquittal, new DNA evidence linked another suspect, Gary Dunn, to the crime, reigniting hope for Nona's family in their pursuit of justice. This development underscored the complexities of the case, demonstrating not only the challenges in accurately solving violent crimes but also the enduring impact of unsolved murders on communities and families.
On December 15, 2005, 19-year-old college student and aspiring beauty queen Nona Dirksmeyer was found murdered inside her Russellville, Arkansas apartment. Police believed Nona's boyfriend, Kevin Jones, flew into a murderous rage when he discovered a condom wrapper on her kitchen counter. “48 Hours" correspondent Richard Schlesinger reports. This classic "48 Hours" episode last aired on 9/20/2008. Watch all-new episodes of “48 Hours” on Saturdays, and stream on demand on Paramount+.