Dark Downeast: The Murder of Kenneth "Kenny" Jerome (Vermont)

Episode Release Date: June 12, 2025
Host: Kylie Lowe

Introduction

In this gripping episode of Dark Downeast, investigative journalist Kylie Lowe delves into the unsolved 2005 murder of Kenneth "Kenny" Jerome, a beloved farmhand from Sheldon, Vermont. The podcast meticulously unpacks the life of Kenny, the circumstances surrounding his death, the ensuing investigation, and the tangled web of relationships and events that have since shadowed this tragic case.

Kenny Jerome's Background

Kenny Jerome, affectionately known as Kenny, was a 33-year-old farmhand at Diamond Hill Custom Heifers Farm in Sheldon, Vermont. For nearly a decade, he was integral to the farm's operations, caring for over 2,000 cows and maintaining farm equipment. Kenny lived on-site in one of the farm's large houses and shared a deep bond with his girlfriend, Jennifer Miller, and her child, Caitlin.

Quote:
Kenny's girlfriend, Jennifer, reflects on their daily life:
"[03:39] E: Like any normal morning, got the girls ready, gave each other a kiss, said I love you."

The Day of the Murder

On the morning of July 7, 2005, Kenny followed his usual routine: bidding farewell to his family and heading to the barn to feed the cows. Around 11:30 AM, farm owner Terry Magnin noticed Kenny's prolonged absence. Concerned, Terry and other farmhands went to investigate, only to find Kenny lying face down on a dirt path with a single gunshot wound to his chest.

Narrative Details:

• Discovery: Terry Magnin found Kenny unresponsive and quickly contacted emergency services.
• Autopsy Findings: Kenny was shot between 11 AM and noon, with the bullet fired from approximately 65 to 80 yards away using a .22 caliber rifle.
• Investigation Initiation: Vermont State Police launched an investigation, categorizing the incident as a targeted homicide rather than a random act.

Quote:
Kenny's girlfriend Jennifer expresses her enduring grief:
"[09:46] E: That I love, the father of my child, is dead. And now somebody can take any sort of gun and look through a scope and know that there's a human being at the end that never done anything to anybody, that just wanted to live his life and pull the triggers. Beyond me. I'll never understand it." [09:46]

Initial Investigation

The police focused their search on identifying the shooter, hypothesizing that the murderer was hidden near a rock ledge on a neighboring property. Despite thorough searches, including assistance from the Vermont Forensic Laboratory, no weapon linked to Kenny's murder was found. As the investigation progressed, suspicion began to fall on Dennis Harness, Jennifer's ex-husband, due to historical tensions and unresolved arson cases linked to his family.

Quote:
Detective Lieutenant Brian Miller summarizes the investigative challenges:
"[36:56] D: ... the lack of good information certainly makes us think that there are very few people involved and they've been quiet about it." [36:56]

Connections to the Harness Family and Arson Cases

Jennifer Miller played a pivotal role in connecting the dots between arson incidents and the potential motives behind Kenny's murder. Her ex-husband, Dennis Harness, had a history of setting fires for insurance money, leading to multiple convictions. Jennifer, seeking to distance herself from Dennis's criminal activities, cooperated with law enforcement by providing evidence and wearing a wire against Dennis.

Key Events:

• 1999 and 2001 Arsons: Dennis and Jennifer were involved in setting fires to exploit insurance payouts, leading to Dennis's eventual arrest and conviction.
• 2003 Arson at Diamond Hill Farm: Jennifer disclosed her involvement in earlier arsons, aiding police in building a case against Dennis.
• Probation Violation: Dennis was incarcerated in August 2005 after violating probation, coinciding with Timothy Callan's retaliatory shooting.

Quote:
Jennifer shares her regret and fear:
"[20:19] E: I was thinking if I didn't say anything, this would not have happened." [20:19]

Subsequent Events and Timothy Callan's Shooting

In August 2005, amid the ongoing search for Kenny's murderer, Timothy Callan, a cousin of another farmhand Travis and an acquaintance of Dennis Harness, retaliated by shooting at the Harness family home. Under the influence of alcohol, Timothy believed the Harness family was responsible for Kenny's death and fired two shots, wounding Dennis Harness at his desk.

Details:

• Motivation: Timothy was driven by frustration over the unsolved murder and perceived inaction by law enforcement.
• Legal Outcome: Timothy was arrested, pleading guilty to aggravated assault and DWI, receiving a sentence of three months to one year, with much of it suspended.
• Incarceration Twist: While serving his sentence in Kentucky, Timothy and Dennis Harness found themselves in the same prison unit, leading to further allegations of coercion by Jennifer and Travis, which were denied and refuted by involved parties.

Quote:
Dennis Harness's father clears the family:
"[27:45] E: And all I was trying to do was what was right... [27:45]
"[June 2006 statement]: ... we know in the end that the Harness family will be cleared of all the false accusations made about us." [June 2006]

Current Status and Unsolved Murder

Despite the passage of over five years, Kenny Jerome's murder remains unsolved. The primary obstacles include the absence of the murder weapon, lack of concrete evidence, and the complexities of the relationships intertwined with prior criminal activities.

Investigation Highlights:

• Murder Weapon: The firearm used in the murder was never recovered, though similar .22 caliber rifles were found but did not match the ballistic evidence.
• Community Theories: Local speculation includes suggestions to search manure pits, but such efforts are deemed impractical without specific leads.
• Law Enforcement Stance: The Vermont State Police maintain that the murder was intentional and targeted, though accidental possibilities have not been entirely dismissed due to similar cases in the region.

Quote:
Detective Lieutenant Brian Miller on the murder weapon search:
"[28:39] A: ... Detective Lieutenant Brian Miller said, quote, where do you start? What farm do you start at? And who would you like to volunteer for the task?" [28:39]

Reflections from Family and Community

Kenny Jerome's untimely death has left an indelible mark on his family and the small Vermont community. Jennifer and their daughter Caitlin continue to mourn his loss, striving to keep his memory alive despite the prolonged pursuit of justice.

Personal Tributes:

• Jennifer Miller:
  "[37:44] E: He's just an all around good guy, period. A good friend, a good father, a good boyfriend, a good employee, a good son..." [37:44]
  Jennifer emphasizes the void Kenny left and the ongoing struggle for peace and resolution.

• Kenny's Mother, Lois Jerome:
  "[39:00] D: ... your kids don't die ahead of you. It's not natural. And now Caitlin won't know her father. That was the one big thing in his life, that baby, end quote." [39:00]

Community Impact: Kenny was remembered fondly by friends and coworkers alike, with his love for Mustangs and farming painting a picture of a man dedicated to his passions and family.

Quote:
Kenny's boss at the funeral:
"[37:44] D: ... he wanted to be a great dad. Work on the farm, mow his lawn, play with his Mustangs, and bother no one." [37:44]

Ongoing Appeal for Information

As the episode concludes, Kylie Lowe reiterates the call for public assistance in solving Kenny Jerome's murder, providing contact information for the Vermont State Police Major Crime Unit and encouraging listeners with potential leads to come forward.

Quote:
Kylie Lowe's closing remarks:
"If you have information about the unsolved homicide of Kenny Jerome, please contact Captain JP Schmidt at the Vermont State Police Major Crime unit at 802-244-8727. Tips may also be submitted anonymously by texting the word V tips to 274-637 or via the tip form linked in the description of this episode." [40:24]

Conclusion

Dark Downeast masterfully weaves together personal testimonies, investigative details, and the broader social context surrounding Kenny Jerome's murder. Through empathetic storytelling and thorough examination of facts, the podcast honors Kenny's memory while keeping the search for justice alive.

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