Nona Dirksmeyer- Death of a Beauty Queen
On a cold night, in December 2005, the little community of Russellville Arkansas lost one of it's brightest stars. Nona Dirksmeyer age 19 and a student at the local college, Arkansas Tech University, was found murdered in her off campus apartment. Her body was discovered by her boyfriend Kevin Jones. She had been badly beaten and her body was naked and covered with blood. As was Kevin Jones when the police arrived. Kevin Jones would later stand trial for her murder. He was found not guilty, for a lack of evidence.
**Update on the Nona Dirksmeyer Case**
Gary Dunn of Dover, Arkansas has been arrested and will stand trial for the murder of Nona Dirksmeyer.
Trial postponed until April 2010 in Clarksville Arkansas
**Update on the Nona Dirksmeyer Case**
Gary Dunn of Dover, Arkansas has been arrested and will stand trial for the murder of Nona Dirksmeyer.
Trial postponed until April 2010 in Clarksville Arkansas
Gary Dunn Trial postponed until April 2010
Court location is Clarksville Arkansas
The trial of Gary Dunn is set to start in April 2010. Gary Dunn is charged with First Degree Murder in the death of Nona Dirksmeyer.
Check my lens about Nona Dirksmeyer each day to get reports from that days trial proceedings.
Check my lens about Nona Dirksmeyer each day to get reports from that days trial proceedings.
Information about Nona Dirksmeyer
Here is a brief history of Nona Dirksmeyer
Nona Dirksmeyer, Miss Petit Jean Valley 2005, a native of Dover and the 19-year-old daughter of Carol and Duane Dipert of Russellville.Her critical issue platform was, "Break the Cycle - Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness." Her talent was a vocal performance of Con Te Partiro. NONA DIRKSMEYER, ARKANSAS BEAUTY CONTESTANT: "Con Te Partiro" is a song about love and loss. Translated to English, it means, with you, I part, or time to say goodbye. I hope you enjoy my version of this classic song.
A 2004 graduate of Dover High School, reigning Miss Petit Jean Valley, contestant in the 2005 Miss Arkansas Scholarship Pageant, and a well-regarded musical talent, Dirksmeyer's death has shaken her family, friends, the community and the Arkansas Tech University student body and faculty.
She enjoyed vocal music education and was planning on teaching it in the future. Carol said there is no doubt in her mind she would still be competing in pageants. Nona was also the reigning Miss Petit Jean Valley at the time of her death."I'm sure she would be more involved in Big Brothers and Big Sisters, too," Carol said as she showed her warm and proud smile. "I think it opened her eyes to these under-privileged kids. She really enjoyed hanging out with Stacey."
The day Nona died, she had a date with Stacey, Nona's "little sister" in the Big Brothers and Big Sisters program. The two planned to eat dinner and see a movie that night.
When talking to Carol, one can sense joy and a strong feeling of faith in her heart, but the heartache and tragedy seeps through as well.
"I'm not saying it's easy. It certainly hasn't been. [God] helped me through it day by day. You don't know how bad it is until it happens," Carol said. "You don't know how bad it feels. He's given me reassurance several times. I know where she is, and I know she's happier than she's ever been."
When Carol says she knows Nona is in heaven, she means it. Her confidence in God and heaven pours off of her. When in her presence, Carol's faith is impossible to ignore.
Gary Dunn arrested in Nona Dirksmeyer case
Gary Dunn has been arrested and charged with Capital Murder on August 22 2008
A new arrest has been made in the murder case of Arkansas beauty queen, Nona Dirksmeyer.Gary Dunn is charged with capital murder, according to the State Special Prosecutor Jack McQuary.
Dunn is being held in the Pope County Detention Center.
No other details are being released right now.
Dirksmeyer was killed in December 2005. In 2007, a jury found her ex-boyfriend, Kevin Jones, not guilty of the murder in 2007.
Get the full story
Fox 16 story
The Courier Story
NWAransas News
1,000,000 dollar bond set for Suspect in Nona Dirksmeyer Case
Russellville suspect Gary Dunn bond set for million dollars
A man suspected of murdering a Dover girl is being held at the Pope County Detention Center in lieu of a $1,000,000 cash bond. Gary W. Dunn, 28, was arrested Friday and is charged with capital murder in connection with the December 2005 death of Nona Dirksmeyer, an Arkansas Tech University student.
Dunn was convicted of second-degree battery in 2003 and sentenced to six years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections for an assult on another Russellville woman at a jogging trail in Russellville.
Read the whole story
New Story 08/26/08
In an affidavit, Arkansas State Police Special Agent Stacie Rhoads said for the first time evidence at the crime scene indicated a possible sexual assault - a charge prosecutors previously denied - and said a condom wrapper found near Dirksmeyer's body indicated "a mixture" of DNA matched to Dirksmeyer and Dunn.
At Jones' trial, Kevin Noppinger, a lab director from DNA Labs International, a private consulting firm, testified he analyzed the condom wrapper in December 2006 at the defense team's request.
Noppinger testified he found Y-chromosome DNA evidence on the condom wrapper, which Terry Rolfe, chief resident DNA expert with the Arkansas State Crime Lab, testified earlier in the trial would "point to a lineage rather than a particular person."
She said such evidence could be used to exclude certain suspected donors, assuming they did not share an ancestry with the donor of the DNA.
Read the rest of the story
Gary Dunn seems like a person who could have committed this terrible act of violence
Dunn was convicted of second-degree battery in 2003 and sentenced to six years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections for an assult on another Russellville woman at a jogging trail in Russellville.
Read the whole story
New Story 08/26/08
In an affidavit, Arkansas State Police Special Agent Stacie Rhoads said for the first time evidence at the crime scene indicated a possible sexual assault - a charge prosecutors previously denied - and said a condom wrapper found near Dirksmeyer's body indicated "a mixture" of DNA matched to Dirksmeyer and Dunn.
At Jones' trial, Kevin Noppinger, a lab director from DNA Labs International, a private consulting firm, testified he analyzed the condom wrapper in December 2006 at the defense team's request.
Noppinger testified he found Y-chromosome DNA evidence on the condom wrapper, which Terry Rolfe, chief resident DNA expert with the Arkansas State Crime Lab, testified earlier in the trial would "point to a lineage rather than a particular person."
She said such evidence could be used to exclude certain suspected donors, assuming they did not share an ancestry with the donor of the DNA.
Read the rest of the story
Gary Dunn seems like a person who could have committed this terrible act of violence
Gary Dunn pleads not guilty in Nona's murder case
Murder suspect pleads not guilty
Murder suspect pleads not guiltyStory date: Sept. 23, 2008
Public Defender Commission appoints Little Rock lawyer to represent man accused in 2005 Dirksmeyer murder
The Dover man suspected of killing Arkansas Tech University student Nona Dirksmeyer pleaded not guilty to charges of capital murder at a hearing Monday morning in Pope County Circuit Court.
Gary W. Dunn, 29, is accused in the Dec. 15, 2005, slaying of Dirksmeyer at her home on South Inglewood Avenue in Russellville. Dunn was arrested in August near Center Ridge in Conway County, and is being held on a $1 million cash-only bond at the Pope County Detention Center.
Dunn is scheduled to stand trial April 13-24, 2009.
Read the full story....
Hearing set for suspect in Dirksmeyer case
Hearing set for Gary Dunn
A pre-trial hearing is scheduled at 1:30 p.m. Feb. 17 in the case against a Dover man suspected of killing an Arkansas Tech University student. The hearing will be held at the Pope County Courthouse before Circuit Judge William Pearson.
Gary W. Dunn, 29, is accused in the Dec. 15, 2005, slaying of Nona Dirksmeyer at her apartment on South Inglewood Avenue in Russellville. Dunn was arrested in August near Center Ridge in Conway County, and is being held on a $1 million cash-only bond at the Pope County Detention Center.
Dunn is scheduled to stand trial April 13-24.
Read the full story
Gary W. Dunn, 29, is accused in the Dec. 15, 2005, slaying of Nona Dirksmeyer at her apartment on South Inglewood Avenue in Russellville. Dunn was arrested in August near Center Ridge in Conway County, and is being held on a $1 million cash-only bond at the Pope County Detention Center.
Dunn is scheduled to stand trial April 13-24.
Read the full story
Dunn seeks own mental exam
Story date: Feb. 17, 2009
Client's defense still 'that of innocence,' attorneys say; results would be admissible only during penalty phase of capital murder trial
(AP) - A man charged with killing an Arkansas Tech student at her South Inglewood Avenue apartment wants a judge to allow him to have an independent medical examination, which would come into play if he is convicted.
Gary Dunn, 29, of Dover, pleaded not guilty to capital murder for the 2005 killing of Nona Dirksmeyer, 19. A hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. today in Pope County Circuit Court before Circuit Judge Bill Pearson in advance of an April 13 trial.
Lawyers for Dunn, Jeff Rosenzweig and William O. James Jr., both of Little Rock, said in a motion that prosecutors can ask for the death penalty if Dunn is convicted.
Read the full story
Prosecutors seeking death penalty
Pope County Circuit Judge Bill Pearson granted a motion for continuance in the capital murder trial of Gary Dunn, 29, on Tuesday.
Dunn is accused in the 2005 murder of Nona Dirksmeyer, 19.
During Tuesday's hearing, prosecutor Jack McQuary also indicated the state would seek the death penalty against Dunn.
A new trial date has not been set.
(AP) - A man charged with killing an Arkansas Tech student at her South Inglewood Avenue apartment wants a judge to allow him to have an independent medical examination, which would come into play if he is convicted.
Gary Dunn, 29, of Dover, pleaded not guilty to capital murder for the 2005 killing of Nona Dirksmeyer, 19. A hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. today in Pope County Circuit Court before Circuit Judge Bill Pearson in advance of an April 13 trial.
Lawyers for Dunn, Jeff Rosenzweig and William O. James Jr., both of Little Rock, said in a motion that prosecutors can ask for the death penalty if Dunn is convicted.
Read the full story
Prosecutors seeking death penalty
Pope County Circuit Judge Bill Pearson granted a motion for continuance in the capital murder trial of Gary Dunn, 29, on Tuesday.
Dunn is accused in the 2005 murder of Nona Dirksmeyer, 19.
During Tuesday's hearing, prosecutor Jack McQuary also indicated the state would seek the death penalty against Dunn.
A new trial date has not been set.
Dunn to receive independent psychiatric examination
Update: 04/08/09
Fifth Judicial District Circuit Judge William "Bill" Pearson granted two motions last week for a Dover man charged with capital murder in the 2005 slaying of Nona Dirksmeyer, which will give the defense counsel access to evidence for testing as well as allow the defendant to receive a psychiatric examination.
The order will give the defense of Gary Dunn, 29 - who is scheduled to stand trial Sept. 28 in connection with the Dec. 15, 2005 homicide - access to a condom wrapper and its biological matter, which was obtained from the crime scene, according to court documents.
Read the full story
The order will give the defense of Gary Dunn, 29 - who is scheduled to stand trial Sept. 28 in connection with the Dec. 15, 2005 homicide - access to a condom wrapper and its biological matter, which was obtained from the crime scene, according to court documents.
Read the full story
September trial set in beauty queen slaying
Story date: March 27, 2009
The Dover man charged with capital murder in the 2005 slaying of Nona Dirksmeyer will face a jury trial Sept. 28, according to court documents filed earlier this week.Gary W. Dunn, 29, who remains in police custody, was previously to stand trial in connection with the Dec. 15, 2005, homicide April 13. Defense attorneys Jeff Rosenzweig and William O. James Jr. requested a continuance in the case Feb. 17, citing the "huge amount" of information gathered as a result of two investigations into the 19-year-old Dirksmeyer's death - an initial one that culminated in the arrest of Kevin N. Jones of Dover, Dirksmeyer's boyfriend, who was later acquitted of the crime, and the subsequent one that led to Dunn's arrest.
Little Rock attorney Jack McQuary, appointed as a special prosecutor in the case last year at the request of 5th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney David Gibbons, indicated at the Feb. 17 hearing the state was seeking the death penalty against Dunn "at this point in time."
Read the full story of Gary Dunn Trial Set for September
Watch the Dateline Nona Dirksmeyer Special
Dateline Death and the Beauty Queen part 1
Dateline Death and the Beauty Queen pt 1.
Nona Dirksmeyer was a young beauty pageant queen with a difficult past. One day, she was unresponsive to her boyfriend's text messages, which was then followed by a grueling discovery.
Nona Dirksmeyer was a young beauty pageant queen with a difficult past. One day, she was unresponsive to her boyfriend's text messages, which was then followed by a grueling discovery.
Who is Kevin Jones
Lets take a look at Kevin Jones
Who is Kevin Jones?Kevin Jones attended Dover High School in Dover, Arkansas, graduating in 2004 at age 18. Kevin will turn 21 in 2007 on November 20. He has always had a great love of the outdoors and athletics in general, with a particular emphasis on baseball. Like Nona Dirksmeyer, Kevin had a record of achievement in high school. In fact, he had been elected president of the Arkansas State Beta Club, an honors society for high school students, by the time he graduated. Kevin's parents, Janice and Hiram Jones, own a gas station located between Dover and Russellville, Arkansas.
*source* Huffs Crime Blog
Kevin Jones was a likely suspect in the murder of Nona Dirksmeyer. She was beaten severely, which made it appear to be a crime committed by someone with strong feelings towards her. As in any murder case the police usually look very hard at people who had direct contact with the victim. Husbands and boyfriends are very often prime suspects in murder cases involving women.
In this case it seems that the Russellville Police Detectives focused on Kevin Jones right from the beginning. Maybe leading them to over look evidence that didn't point towards Kevin as the guilty party.
Kevin Jones has been found NOT GUILTY and a new suspect has been arrested
Dateline NBC Nona Dirksmeyer special part 2
Dateline Death and the Beauty Queen pt 2.
Dateline Death and the Beauty Queen pt 2.
The boyfriend - Kevin Jones becomes the main suspect!
What really happened is the police focused entirely on Kevin Jones right from the beginning. Ignoring other sources of evidence they felt they didn't need.
The boyfriend - Kevin Jones becomes the main suspect!
What really happened is the police focused entirely on Kevin Jones right from the beginning. Ignoring other sources of evidence they felt they didn't need.
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Gary Dunn arrested for Dirksmeyer murder
Gary Dunn is in jail and charged with Capital Murd more...2 points
the stepfather did it!
Are ya'll dumb?? I watched on dateline last nite more...1 point
Anyone watch the dateline show on NBC?
It aired on May 2nd, did you watch, I did!0 points
I watched the program on Dateline...
And have read much about the case. Duane Dipert s more...0 points
Duane Dipert is soooooooooooooo
acting guiltier than thou. It's not only the tele more...0 points
I missed the show
What is it about the show that has left everyone t more...0 points
Recent news articles about Nona Dirksmeyer
Bloggers are keeping this story in the news!
- Moonlighting a complex issue for cops
- ... taken by a Dover officer in relation to the investigation of the 2005 slaying of Arkansas Tech University student Nona Dirksmeyer remain unclear, ...
Dateline NBC Nona Dirksmeyer special part 3
Dateline Death and the Beauty Queen pt 3.
Dateline Death and the Beauty Queen pt 3.
Lines are drawn between Russellville and Dover
Lines are drawn between Russellville and Dover
Links to information concerning Nona Dirksmeyer.
These links will help educate you on the murder case of Nona Dirksmeyer.
- Nona Dirksmeyer, 2005 Miss Arkansas pageant contestant found dead in her apartment - Crimelibrary.com Message Boards
- Nona Dirksmeyer, 2005 Miss Arkansas pageant contestant found dead in her apartment The Murder of Nona Dirksmeyer
- Dirksmeyer case inquiry ongoing
- Story date: May 2, 2008
Special prosecutor says investigators re-interviewing witnesses, ?looking at everybody? - State v. Jones: RPD Detective Mark Frost takes the stand
- State v. Jones: RPD Detective Mark Frost takes the stand.
During cross examination of Russellville Police Detective Mark Frost on Thursday, defense attorneys for Kevin Jones continued their attack on the RPD's investigation of Nona DIRKSMEYER's murder. - State v. Jones: Key exhibits
- The following items were entered into evidence during Thursday's testimony:
Prosecution
Six photos of a bathroom at the Jones residence taken by Al Frazier of Arkansas Restoration Services in response to a service call.
Three photos of the Jones dining room and kitchen, also taken by Frazier.
A map of Pope County showing two routes Jones - State v. Jones: Witness summaries
- During cross examination of Russellville Police Detective Mark Frost on Thursday, defense attorneys for Kevin Jones continued their attack on the RPD's investigation of Nona DIRKSMEYER's murder.
- State v. Jones - Jury takes measure of Jones
- Kevin Jones does not slump in his chair.
He does not allow himself the luxury of shifting back and forth or from side to side on the hard wooden seat, either. Nor does he cross his legs.
Most days, he drinks plain water, if any. Yesterday, it was raspberry flavored. - State v. Jones - Forensic evidence takes center stage
- Testimony in Kevin Jones' first-degree murder trial turned to forensic evidence Friday as personnel from the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory took the stand.
Jones is on trial in connection with the bludgeoning death of his girlfriend, Nona DIRKSMEYER, 19, in December 2005. - Friends embrace memories of Nona Dirksmeyer
- Details of 19-year-old Nona Dirksmeyer's death will be revealed in a court of law in future months, but for now, one her friends offered a glimpse into what it was like be a friend of Nona's.
"I miss her very, very much," Shauna Kitchens, a longtime friend of Nona's, said as she held back tears. "I'm feeling about a 1,000 different emotions right now, because I want to be angry and I want to call her and tell her I love her ... and laugh with her." - Mother's memories shine light on Nona
- "She was an easy person to talk to and was always ready to listen if you had a problem. Another thing I admired about her was courage, conviction and perseverance. If she knew what she was doing was right, she would pursue it in spite of opposition," Dipert said.
- Death and the Beauty Queen - Nona Dirksmeyer Crime reports - MSNBC.com
- Police had a murder weapon with a bloody palm print -- and it belonged to the boyfriend of a slain beauty queen. But not everything was as it seemed.
- Jones Interrogation video
- Excerpts: Jones Interrogation
See excerpts of Kevin Jones' interrogation by investigators from the Russellville Police Department. - CBS News Video - Nona In The Spotlight
- Nona In The Spotlight
See footage of Nona Dirksmeyer, as she competed in the 2005 Ms. Arkansas pageant. - Dateline Special About Nona Dirksmeyer
- Watch the dateline special!
Dateline NBC Special about Nona Dirksmeyer part 4
The betrayed boyfriend and the bloody palm print
Dateline Death and the Beauty Queen part 4
The betrayed boyfriend and the bloody palm print
The betrayed boyfriend and the bloody palm print
Recent story about Kevin Jones
Kevin Jones denied college education
ATU won't admit man acquitted in slaying
Story date: Aug. 20, 2008
(AP) - The man acquitted in the death of a former Arkansas Tech University (ATU) student said he'll appeal the university's decision to deny him admission for the fall semester.
Kevin Jones, who was acquitted in the 2005 death of his girlfriend Nona Dirksmeyer, said he believes his murder trial was the reason he was denied admission to the university.
"It feels like if this didn't happen to me, they would have let me in," Jones told Little Rock television station KATV.
Read the full story about Kevin Jones
Story date: Aug. 20, 2008
(AP) - The man acquitted in the death of a former Arkansas Tech University (ATU) student said he'll appeal the university's decision to deny him admission for the fall semester.
Kevin Jones, who was acquitted in the 2005 death of his girlfriend Nona Dirksmeyer, said he believes his murder trial was the reason he was denied admission to the university.
"It feels like if this didn't happen to me, they would have let me in," Jones told Little Rock television station KATV.
Read the full story about Kevin Jones
Read News Stories about the Nona Dirksmeyer case
These links will take you to the archives of The Courier (Russellville Newspaper)
Like the murder itself, questions surrounding leak of confidential information from DIRKSMEYER investigative file remain unanswered.
Following their release of information suggesting experts may have found a match for DNA found on a condom wrapper at the scene of a 19-year-old college student's violent death, attorneys for Kevin Jones - the man tried for, and acquitted of, Nona DIRKSMEYER's murder - are now leaving more questions than answers.
Gibbons: 'Misunderstanding' provides portion
of unreleased DIRKSMEYER case file to television show
The many twists and turns of the ongoing investigation into the murder of Dover High School graduate and Arkansas Tech University student Nona DIRKSMEYER - now entering its third year - perhaps lend themselves, in their complexity, to misunderstanding and confusion.
Apparently, elements of those states may have spilled over into other arenas surrounding the case.
Special prosecutor appointed to Dirksmeyer case More than two years after her murder - and nearly seven months after a Franklin County jury found her longtime boyfriend, Kevin Jones, not guilty of the crime - a special prosecutor has been appointed to investigate the death of Nona DIRKSMEYER, ....more
Life has continued for Carol Dipert, Nona DIRKSMEYER's mother, after Kevin Jones was acquitted for DIRKSMEYER's first-degree murder at the Franklin County Courthouse in July. DIRKSMEYER's body was discovered in her Russellville apartment Dec. 15, 2005. The cause of death was multiple blunt- and sharp-force trauma.
As Dipert now tries to re-enter her own life, she recalled DIRKSMEYER's relationship with Jones and the couple's breakups and makeups.
Dipert said Jones and DIRKSMEYER began hanging out together in junior high school,....
OZARK - At 2:21 p.m. Thursday in the Franklin County Courthouse, 581 days after former Arkansas Tech University student Nona DIRKSMEYER was brutally murdered in her South Inglewood Avenue apartment, the jury in the State v. Jones trial returned a verdict of "not guilty" to heavy silence in the courtroom.
Kevin Jones, DIRKSMEYER's high school sweetheart, was arrested in March 2006 in connection with DIRKSMEYER's murder.
Following their release of information suggesting experts may have found a match for DNA found on a condom wrapper at the scene of a 19-year-old college student's violent death, attorneys for Kevin Jones - the man tried for, and acquitted of, Nona DIRKSMEYER's murder - are now leaving more questions than answers.
Gibbons: 'Misunderstanding' provides portion
of unreleased DIRKSMEYER case file to television show
The many twists and turns of the ongoing investigation into the murder of Dover High School graduate and Arkansas Tech University student Nona DIRKSMEYER - now entering its third year - perhaps lend themselves, in their complexity, to misunderstanding and confusion.
Apparently, elements of those states may have spilled over into other arenas surrounding the case.
Special prosecutor appointed to Dirksmeyer case More than two years after her murder - and nearly seven months after a Franklin County jury found her longtime boyfriend, Kevin Jones, not guilty of the crime - a special prosecutor has been appointed to investigate the death of Nona DIRKSMEYER, ....more
Life has continued for Carol Dipert, Nona DIRKSMEYER's mother, after Kevin Jones was acquitted for DIRKSMEYER's first-degree murder at the Franklin County Courthouse in July. DIRKSMEYER's body was discovered in her Russellville apartment Dec. 15, 2005. The cause of death was multiple blunt- and sharp-force trauma.
As Dipert now tries to re-enter her own life, she recalled DIRKSMEYER's relationship with Jones and the couple's breakups and makeups.
Dipert said Jones and DIRKSMEYER began hanging out together in junior high school,....
OZARK - At 2:21 p.m. Thursday in the Franklin County Courthouse, 581 days after former Arkansas Tech University student Nona DIRKSMEYER was brutally murdered in her South Inglewood Avenue apartment, the jury in the State v. Jones trial returned a verdict of "not guilty" to heavy silence in the courtroom.
Kevin Jones, DIRKSMEYER's high school sweetheart, was arrested in March 2006 in connection with DIRKSMEYER's murder.
Dateline Death and the Beauty Queen pt 5.
Bad evidence and shoddy investigation
Dateline Death and the Beauty Queen pt 5.
Bad evidence and shoddy investigation.
Way to go Mark Frost! Where did you get your education? A cracker Jack box?
Bad evidence and shoddy investigation.
Way to go Mark Frost! Where did you get your education? A cracker Jack box?
Dateline Death and the Beauty Queen pt 6.
The jury decides Kevin Jones fate.
Dateline Death and the Beauty Queen pt 6.
The jury decides Kevin Jones fate.
Not Guilty was the verdict. Watch this video to see the jurors reasons why they decide Kevin Jones was not guilty.
The jury decides Kevin Jones fate.
Not Guilty was the verdict. Watch this video to see the jurors reasons why they decide Kevin Jones was not guilty.
The Innocent Man
by John Grisham
Product Description
In the town of Ada, Oklahoma, Ron Williamson was going to be the next Mickey Mantle. But on his way to the Big Leagues, Ron stumbled, his dreams broken by drinking, drugs, and women. Then, on a winter night in 1982, not far from Ron's home, a young cocktail waitress named Debra Sue Carter was savagely murdered. The investigation led nowhere. Until, on the flimsiest evidence, it led to Ron Williamson. The washed-up small-town hero was charged, tried, and sentenced to death-in a trial littered with lying witnesses and tainted evidence that would shatter a man's already broken life%u2026and let a true killer go free. Impeccably researched, grippingly told, filled with eleventh-hour drama, John Grisham's first work of nonfiction reads like a page-turning legal thriller. It is a book that will terrify anyone who believes in the presumption of innocence-a book no American can afford to miss.
There was an error connecting to the Amazon web service. Please try again.Sorry, there are no results available from Amazon.
In the town of Ada, Oklahoma, Ron Williamson was going to be the next Mickey Mantle. But on his way to the Big Leagues, Ron stumbled, his dreams broken by drinking, drugs, and women. Then, on a winter night in 1982, not far from Ron's home, a young cocktail waitress named Debra Sue Carter was savagely murdered. The investigation led nowhere. Until, on the flimsiest evidence, it led to Ron Williamson. The washed-up small-town hero was charged, tried, and sentenced to death-in a trial littered with lying witnesses and tainted evidence that would shatter a man's already broken life%u2026and let a true killer go free. Impeccably researched, grippingly told, filled with eleventh-hour drama, John Grisham's first work of nonfiction reads like a page-turning legal thriller. It is a book that will terrify anyone who believes in the presumption of innocence-a book no American can afford to miss.
Dedicated to the memory of Nona Dirksmeyer!
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Lensmaster
WonderBoyFan wrote
Good grief Peter! Why does everything have to be about race. I pray for the family of Nona that they may one day have peace and at least some satisfaction when the killer is finally convicted. Anyone can look at Gary Dunn and know that Nona would have NEVER had anything to do with someone like him willingly. GD is a predator. I believe this man is guilty and the world is a much safer place with him off the streets. Just ask that poor lady jogger he attacked. She would have probably been another unsolved homicide had she not fought back. Poor Nona may have cooperated with him somewhat because she thought there was a chance her might let her go. GD is right where he needs to be imo and if convicted hopefully sent somewhere he can never hurt another human being again. I know everyone keeps pointing at the weird and creepy step-father, but trust me. He did not do this. Look into the eyes of GD and you will see a cold-blooded killer with no compassion or concern for others.
Posted September 24, 2009
Lensmaster
Peter wrote
I guess that it was Kevin Jones' luck that he was white? Had he been black noone would have given a dime about him and he would surely have been convicted? Or? Just a thought.
Posted July 12, 2009
Lensmaster
Jerry wrote
I just watched 48 hours on tv in sweden and googled the internet to see what became of the story. I can't believe how bad the police did their work. They could have had the right murder arrested, instead they made KJ go through hell. I can't believe ND:s parents either. Totaly blinded by hate. Even so much that the stepfather knowingly destroyed evidence. I hope that peace and justice will come to Nona.
Posted April 21, 2009
poutine wrote...
Great job in making this lens.
I didn't know about this case and
now I know a lot.
what a sad story.
Posted April 08, 2009
papawu wrote...
Stories like this are always so damned sad and they are numerous. There simply is no hope in a "Perfect World."
Posted April 01, 2009
OhMe wrote...
You have really done a thorough job with this lens telling this horrible story.
Posted November 16, 2008
rms wrote...
Congrats on winning the top producer award! This lens is being featured at the Showcase today.
www.giantsquidshowcase.com
Posted October 02, 2008
sandyspider wrote...
So sad! My heart goes out to the family. This is a great tribute.
Posted September 26, 2008
GreenRevolution wrote...
Great job Thomas! Your lens is very compelling and well-designed. Thanks for bringing this sad, but important story to our attention. God bless Nona and her family. 5*S
Posted September 25, 2008
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FLDS Polygamist YFZ Ranch in Eldorado Texas- This lens is meant to get the word out about the raid on the YFZ, also known as...
I love Japanese Bobtail Cats- The Talkative and Affectionate Japanese Bobtail
Arkansas Hillbilly The Official Redneck of the South- Funny Arkansas Jokes Before we go any further, I just want to say I am from Arka...
Russellville, Arkansas The River Valley- Russellville, Arkansas is a beautiful little city that is located along Intersta...
