Dateline Originals: Deadly Mirage - Episode 5: Busted

Introduction

In the gripping fifth episode of Deadly Mirage, titled "Busted," Dateline Originals delves into the intricate case surrounding the murders of Rob Limone and the subsequent arrests of Sabrina Limone and Jonathan Hearn. Hosted by Josh Mankiewicz, this true crime narrative unravels the complexities of relationships, motives, and the quest for justice within a tight-knit community in California's high desert regions.

The Arrests of Sabrina Limone and Jonathan Hearn

On the morning of November 17, 2014, at approximately 11 AM, Sabrina Limone was unexpectedly taken into custody at her children's school. This arrest occurred three months to the day after her husband, Rob Limone, was tragically murdered. Earlier that day, Jonathan Hearn had also been arrested, marking a significant escalation in the case. Both suspects were transported to the Boron substation of the Kern County Sheriff's Department, setting the stage for a prolonged legal battle.

• "It was around 11 on the morning of November 17, 2014, three months to the day after her husband's murder, that Sabrina Limone was taken into custody at her children's school." [00:56]

Relationship Dynamics: Sabrina and Jonathan

Sabrina Limone's relationship with Jonathan Hearn was at the heart of the investigation. An open marriage was the norm for the Limones, a relationship arrangement that Rob Limone had advocated for fervently.

• "We have had open relationships, parties, and just kind of like that kind of a lifestyle." [10:21]

Despite the open nature of their marriage, Sabrina and Jonathan's affair went beyond casual interactions, deepening to a point where it intertwined disastrously with the motives for murder.

Investigation and Evidence Collection

Upon their arrests, investigators meticulously searched the Limones' residences, uncovering a plethora of documents and personal items. This included financial records, love letters, text messages, and even physical evidence like a motorcycle and helmets from Jonathan's house.

• "From Sabrina's residence, we were able to obtain lots of documents regarding financial stuff from life insurance companies, from BNSF railroad, letters from Jonathan to Sabrina." [02:12]
• "From Jonathan's residence, we were able to seize the motorcycle that was ridden. We seized two styles of helmets." [02:42]

However, crucial evidence was initially overlooked, which would later play a pivotal role in the unfolding of the case.

Interrogations and Interviews

Sabrina Limone's interrogation provided profound insights into her mindset and the dynamics of her relationship with Jonathan. Initially, she appeared shaken and in disbelief over the arrests.

• "I just couldn't, couldn't believe it." [01:46]

During her initial questioning, Sabrina was hesitant, revealing only vague details about her affair without connecting it directly to the motive for murder.

• "I can give you the amounts of text messages and phone calls that were made prior to, during and after Robert was killed." [05:35]

Despite prolonged hours, Sabrina refrained from admitting any involvement, maintaining her innocence and focusing on her grief over her husband's death.

• "There is a financial benefit to Robert Limone dying. $300,000 in insurance and potentially $2 million settlement with the railroad." [03:11]

Her reluctance to divulge more led investigators to question the depth of her knowledge and involvement in the crime.

Legal Proceedings and Defense Strategy

Jonathan Hearn was formally charged with first-degree murder on November 20, shortly after Sabrina's interrogation. However, the case against Sabrina was deemed weak due to a lack of incriminating evidence, leading to her release from custody after a few days.

Defense attorney Clayton Campbell took on Jonathan Hearn's case with a strategic approach. Initially believing in Jonathan's innocence, Campbell uncovered significant weaknesses in the prosecution's evidence, such as blurry security footage and unverifiable links between Jonathan's motorcycle and the crime.

• "They tested all of Jonathan's firearms. Not one of them matched the bullets that were used to kill Robert." [29:50]

Faced with these gaps, Campbell navigated a moral dilemma when Jonathan expressed a desire to confess, aligning with his personal beliefs against maintaining a not guilty plea dishonestly. After two years of imprisonment, Jonathan reached a plea deal with the prosecution. In exchange for his full cooperation in implicating Sabrina Limone, he pleaded guilty to manslaughter, receiving a sentence of 25 years and four months—significantly less than a life sentence without parole.

• "That was a deal that he cut." [40:57]

Impact on the Community and Families

The aftermath of the arrests and legal battles had a profound impact on both families involved and the broader community. Sabrina's home life was upended as she faced hostility from neighbors and the community, leading her to homeschool her children and eventually relocate to Camarillo to escape the stigma.

Rob Limone's family, grappling with his loss, found additional pain in Sabrina's arrest and the suspicion surrounding her involvement. Lydia Marrero and Chris Wilson, Rob's sisters, expressed devastation and frustration over the lack of closure and justice.

• "She died of a broken heart, losing her son." [26:04]
• "Her silence, her absence from everybody, you know, all that just tells me she's very much involved." [25:32]

The betrayal felt by Rob's family underscored the deep emotional scars left by the crime and the ensuing investigations.

Conclusion: Current Status and Ongoing Tensions

As the episode concludes, Sabrina Limone remains a figure of suspicion, having moved away to start anew while still under the cloud of the unresolved murder case. The silence from both Sabrina and Jonathan during critical moments leaves lingering questions about the full extent of their involvement and the true motives behind Rob Limone's death.

The community continues to grapple with the aftermath, reflecting on themes of trust, betrayal, and the quest for truth within the shadows of a deadly mirage.

Notable Quotes

• "I can give you the amounts of text messages and phone calls that were made prior to, during and after Robert was killed." — Sabrina Limone [05:35]
• "We have had open relationships, parties, and just kind of like that kind of a lifestyle." — Sabrina Limone [10:21]
• "There is a financial benefit to Robert Limone dying. $300,000 in insurance and potentially $2 million settlement with the railroad." — Sabrina Limone [03:11]
• "They tested all of Jonathan's firearms. Not one of them matched the bullets that were used to kill Robert." — Josh Mankiewicz [29:50]
• "She died of a broken heart, losing her son." — Sabrina Limone [26:04]

Final Thoughts

Deadly Mirage – Episode 5: Busted masterfully intertwines personal relationships with criminal investigation, painting a vivid picture of the complexities that arise when love, money, and betrayal collide. This episode serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of trust and the far-reaching consequences of deceit within familial and community bonds.