Podcast Summary: "Fatal Family Feud" – 48 Hours by CBS News
Release Date: July 10, 2025

Introduction

In the gripping episode titled "Fatal Family Feud," CBS News' "48 Hours" delves deep into the tragic and complex murder of Jared Davidson, a UC Santa Barbara graduate student. Through meticulous investigation and emotional interviews, the episode unravels the tangled web of familial disputes, custody battles, and deceit that culminated in a senseless act of violence.

The Victim and His Family

Narrator: The episode opens with the harrowing recount of Jared Davidson's murder on July 9, 2004, at approximately 11 PM on Old Mill Road.

Phil Jones (Timestamp: 01:11): "On July 9, 2004, at about 11 o'clock that night, I was laying down, getting ready to go to bed. Way off in the distance, I heard what I thought was a high-powered gunshot. It was definitely a distinctive sound."

Jared was found lying on the doorstep of his apartment complex, fatally shot. He was only 27 years old, and his death left a profound impact on his close-knit family.

Jared's Cousin (Timestamp: 02:23): "Jared was incredibly kind and funny. He really was a joy to everybody who knew him."

The Davidson family, comprising Jared's parents, Richard and Susan, his younger brother Michael, and his cousins Courtney and Marissa, grappled with the sudden loss and the ensuing investigation.

Jared and Kelly's Relationship

Jared met Kelly Jones during their chemistry classes at UC Santa Barbara, leading to a passionate relationship.

Kelly Jones (Timestamp: 06:12): "It was the first day of classes and we were both going to our organic chemistry lab... it was a pleasant surprise."

A year into their relationship, Jared and Kelly married, and shortly after, Kelly discovered she was pregnant with their daughter, Malia.

Jared's Cousin (Timestamp: 07:58): "He was so happy, just so proud and so happy."

However, underlying tensions soon surfaced. Both Jared and Kelly were balancing academic pursuits with parenting, leading to strained interactions and disagreements over custody.

Custody Battle and Deteriorating Relationship

As Jared and Kelly's relationship deteriorated, a contentious custody battle ensued. Kelly was granted custody of Malia, while Jared had limited visitation rights, which Kelly often restricted.

Phil Jones (Timestamp: 09:52): "There were numerous occasions where he had gone to try to pick up his child at her residence and was denied access to the child."

The constant disputes not only strained Jared and Kelly's relationship but also deeply affected the entire family dynamic.

The Night of the Murder

On the night of Jared's murder, Detective Greg Sorenson was called to the scene. Initial suspicions pointed towards Kelly, given the tumultuous relationship and custody issues.

Phil Jones (Timestamp: 10:22): "Instantly, I thought of his ex-wife possibly being involved in this."

Kelly was brought in for questioning but had a solid alibi, claiming she was 90 miles away with her daughter and a friend. However, evidence began to surface that hinted at a more intricate plot involving deceit.

Breakthrough in the Investigation

A pivotal piece of evidence was the potted plant found at the crime scene, which detectives believed was used as a ruse to lure Jared outside.

Phil Jones (Timestamp: 11:27): "Highly unusual to see a plant out on the walkway in this particular location."

Surveillance footage revealed a person in disguise purchasing the plant, matching the description of a female seen fleeing the scene. Initially suspected to be Kelly, further analysis uncovered discrepancies in their alibi.

Phil Jones (Timestamp: 12:18): "It looked like Kelly Davidson. Same size, same build and walked similar to her."

However, DNA analysis later revealed that the DNA on the plant cardholder belonged not to Kelly but to her mother, Mindy Jones, shifting the focus of the investigation.

Arrest and Trial

Six months post-murder, both Mindy and her husband, Philip Jones, were arrested for Jared's murder. Detective Sorenson believed they orchestrated the plot to eliminate Jared, whom they saw as an obstacle in their custody battle.

Phil Jones (Timestamp: 22:55): "That's true."

In court, Philip confessed to the murder as part of a plea deal to prevent Kelly from facing severe charges. He claimed that Jared was molesting their granddaughter, Malia, an accusation that was later debunked.

Phil Jones (Timestamp: 26:28): "I shot and killed Jared. Mindy and I believed that we needed to do something."

Kelly, despite maintaining her innocence, pleaded guilty to lesser charges and was sentenced to four years in prison, allowing her early release after serving approximately one and a half years.

Aftermath and Impact on the Family

The Davidson family was left shattered, grappling not only with the loss of Jared but also the betrayal by those they once trusted.

Detective Greg Sorenson (Timestamp: 24:15): "We have relied on psychologists to tell us how to interact with Malia, particularly over this."

Jared's daughter, Malia, now three years old at the time of the murder, faced the trauma of losing her father and the upheaval caused by her mother's and grandparents' actions.

Malia (Timestamp: 24:44): "I don't have a mommy now, and I don't have a daddy, and I'm different."

Conclusion and Reflections

"Fatal Family Feud" serves as a poignant exploration of how personal vendettas, fueled by custody battles and familial discord, can culminate in irreversible tragedy. The episode underscores the devastating ripple effects such actions have on innocent lives, particularly that of a young child torn between conflicting parental figures.

Phil Jones (Timestamp: 35:34): "I do. It kills me that they get to live and he's gone."

The Davidson family's pursuit of justice remains unfulfilled as they continue to navigate the complexities of grief, loss, and the quest for closure.

Key Quotes with Timestamps

• Phil Jones (01:11): "Way off in the distance, I heard what I thought was a high-powered gunshot."

• Jared's Cousin (02:23): "Jared was incredibly kind and funny. He really was a joy to everybody who knew him."

• Kelly Jones (06:12): "It was a pleasant surprise."

• Phil Jones (09:52): "He had gone to try to pick up his child... and was denied access."

• Phil Jones (12:18): "It looked like Kelly Davidson... walked similar to her."

• Phil Jones (22:55): "That's true."

• Phil Jones (26:28): "I shot and killed Jared."

• Malia (24:44): "I don't have a mommy now, and I don't have a daddy, and I'm different."

• Phil Jones (35:34): "I do. It kills me that they get to live and he's gone."

Note: This summary excludes all advertisements, promotional content, and non-essential sections from the transcript to maintain focus on the core narrative and investigative elements of the episode.