The Kimberly Kessler case is a complex story of murder, mystery, and mental instability that has gripped Nassau County, Florida, for years. It involves the disappearance and presumed death of Joleen Cummings, a hairstylist, the conviction of her co-worker Kimberly Kessler for first-degree murder, and Kessler's subsequent hunger strike and competency battles within the legal system.
The Disappearance of Joleen Cummings
In May 2018, Joleen Cummings, a 34-year-old hairstylist working at Tangles Hair Salon in Fernandina Beach, Florida, was reported missing. The last person believed to have seen her alive was Kimberly Kessler, her co-worker. Cummings' disappearance was particularly alarming because she failed to pick up her children on Mother's Day, raising immediate concerns among her family and friends.
Cummings was officially reported missing on May 14 after not showing up for work at Tangles Hair Salon.
The Investigation and Arrest of Kimberly Kessler
The investigation quickly focused on Kimberly Kessler. Cummings’ Ford Explorer was found May 15 in a Home Depot parking lot. Surveillance video showed Kessler abandoning it there May 13, the Sheriff's Office said. On May 16, Kessler was found sleeping in a car at an Interstate 95 rest stop in St. Johns County.
Further investigation revealed incriminating evidence linking Kessler to Cummings' disappearance. A closer look at more surveillance video saw Kessler discarding a trash bag and emptying a trash can into Dumpsters near the hair salon that weekend. That led deputies and the FBI to a week-long mid-July search in the Chesser Landfill in Charlton County, Ga. Evidence also determined there had been a struggle at the salon, including Cummings’ blood on Kessler’s scissors and boots. Evidence showed that Kessler purchased several items such as an electric carving knife, zip ties and garbage bags used to clean up the crime scene and dispose of the body.
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Kessler was initially charged with auto theft of Cummings’ SUV and was kept behind bars on $500,000 bail. She was eventually indicted on the murder charge.
Authorities discovered that Kessler had been using aliases since 1996, with at least 25 aliases used in 35 cities and 14 states. This revelation added another layer of complexity to the case, suggesting a history of deception and instability.
The Trial and Verdict
The trial of Kimberly Kessler was marked by numerous disruptions and questions surrounding her mental competency. She underwent multiple evaluations and court hearings to determine her competency and caused several disruptions throughout the process. She also went on a hunger strike and lost a substantial amount of weight.
During the trial, the prosecution presented evidence of Kessler's internet search history in the days leading up to and following Cummings' disappearance. Assistant State Attorney Donna Thurson claimed Kessler murdered Joleen and removed her body by cutting her up with the electric knife she bought at Walmart. A day before Cummings disappeared, Thurson says, Cummings told Kessler “Go away. I don’t like you. Thurson lists the places blood was found. She can be heard yelling "Jordan Beard is Joleen Cummings' cousin" down the hallway. I reported it to the bailiff. My grandfather was a Florida Circuit Court Judge and I know how important this trial is. He says it has come to his attention that she had interactions outside of the courtroom with two jurors.
Despite the fact that Cummings' body was never found, the prosecution presented a compelling case based on circumstantial evidence, including the blood found in the salon and Kessler's suspicious behavior. Ultimately, a Nassau County jury found Kimberly Kessler guilty of first-degree murder and grand theft auto.
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Kessler was brought into the courtroom Thursday and given the opportunity to participate as the verdict was read, but she again refused and was removed from the courtroom.
The Sentencing and Continuing Legal Battles
Kessler's sentencing hearing is set for Jan. 27, but it can only be mandatory life in prison. There, she will begin her life sentence without parole for the 2018 "disappearance and presumed death" of 34-year-old Joleen Cummings, reported First Coast News.
However, the legal battles surrounding Kessler's case did not end with the guilty verdict. An inmate charged with first-degree murder is on the brink of starvation, according to an emergency petition filed Monday by Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper. Kimberly Kessler, 52, needs "forced nutrition" to remain alive, the emergency petition states, but a judge must decide who is responsible for seeking that medical intervention.
Kessler could be force fed at a mental institution, but her Nassau County jailers are neither equipped nor trained to do so. According to Leeper's court filing, she weighs just 89 pounds and is at imminent risk of dying. Just who has the legal responsibility to prevent her death is not clear. According to Leeper's petition, the Public Defender's Office says it is barred from practicing civil law, and since force feeding would require a court order, it does not have a role in seeking a petition. The State Attorney’s Office has also declined to assume that responsibility. In his petition, Leeper asks the court to declare who is responsible. Alternatively, he asks the court to directly intervene and send Kessler to the nearest hospital for "involuntary provision of food, water, sustenance" and whatever care is needed to keep her alive.
Daniel will take up the issue of Kessler's sanity again at a hearing Monday.
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Community Reaction
The Kimberly Kessler case has had a profound impact on the Nassau County community. The disappearance and presumed death of Joleen Cummings, a young mother and local hairstylist, shook the community. The trial and subsequent legal battles have only added to the emotional toll.
Following the verdict, many community members expressed their gratitude to law enforcement for their hard work and dedication to the case.
"Job well done Sheriff Leeper and everyone involved," wrote Michael,"I can't imagine what y'all went through! Thank you, Sheriff Leeper and staff! You're awesome!!" exclaimed Fran.Deborah added: "Appreciate all of your hard work.