Snapped: Women Who Murder – Episode Summary: Kimberly Kessler

Release Date: January 19, 2025
Host/Author: Oxygen

Introduction

In this gripping episode of Snapped: Women Who Murder, Oxygen delves into the harrowing case of Kimberly Kessler and the mysterious disappearance and presumed murder of Jolene Cummings. Spanning over 29 seasons, this true crime podcast brings listeners direct audio from the original Snapped episodes, now available in an engaging long-form format.

Background

Jolene Cummings, a 34-year-old mother of three, was a beloved member of Fernandina Beach, Florida. Known for her vibrant personality and dedication to her family and career at Tangles Hair Salon, Jolene seemed to have her life well-organized. However, beneath the surface, tensions brewed, particularly in her personal relationships.

Kimberly Kessler, the focus of this episode, lived a shadowed life marked by identity theft and evasion from law enforcement. Posing under multiple aliases, Kessler's true identity remained concealed until the investigation unfolded.

Disappearance of Jolene Cummings

On May 14, 2018, Ann Johnson, Jolene's mother, reported her missing after failing to contact her daughter since May 12. Jolene was last seen leaving her workplace, Tangles Hair Salon, in Fernandina Beach. The timing was particularly distressing as May 13 coincided with Jolene's birthday and Mother's Day, amplifying the family's fear.

Ann Johnson (04:16): "I just felt like something bad had happened and that she wouldn't be back."

Initial Investigation

Detectives began their investigation by interviewing key individuals in Jolene's life, including her estranged husband, Jason Cummings, and her boyfriend, Jason G. Both men provided alibis but exhibited suspicious behaviors that kept investigators wary.

Detective (09:25): "A custody dispute can be a huge motivator to possibly do violence."

Despite extensive searches, Jolene's whereabouts remained unknown, with her vehicle eventually spotted at a Home Depot parking lot. Surveillance footage introduced Jennifer Seibert, another employee at the salon, as a person of interest.

Jennifer Seibert and the Breakthrough

Jennifer Seibert became a pivotal figure when her behavior raised red flags. She refused to cooperate with investigators, citing fears of a stalker connected to her ex-boyfriend. Her reluctance and subsequent arrest for grand theft auto of Jolene's vehicle led to further suspicions.

Witness (11:05): "She decided she didn't want to have any part of the police."

However, the case took a dramatic turn when blood evidence at the salon matched Jolene's DNA, suggesting a violent confrontation had occurred on the premises.

Unraveling the Truth: Kimberly Kessler's Involvement

As investigators delved deeper, Jennifer Seibert revealed her true identity as Kimberly Lee Kessler. Claiming to have been on the run from the FBI for 25 years, Kessler's confession initially seemed disconnected from the案件.

Kimberly Kessler (35:48): "I was going to tell you. When you run my fingerprints through, they come up as Kimberly Lee Kessler."

Further investigation uncovered that Kessler had assumed multiple aliases and had a history of violent behavior, including accusations of stabbing and controlling relationships.

Witness (40:14): "She stabbed me in the chest, she bit my dad."

DNA evidence from Kessler's vehicle, including Jolene's blood, solidified the connection between Kessler and the disappearance of Jolene Cummings.

Jolene's DNA (30:45): "It did come back as positive for not just blood but Jolene's blood."

Trial and Conviction

Kessler's trial in December 2021 was marked by her disruptive behavior and attempts to undermine the prosecution. Despite initial claims of delusional disorder, a subsequent psychological evaluation deemed her fit to stand trial.

Detective (43:18): "If a person is a very, very convincing actor, they could convince somebody that they have delusional disorder."

The prosecution presented a compelling case, highlighting Kessler's motives rooted in jealousy and the desire to maintain her fabricated reality. The jury convicted Kimberly Kessler of first-degree murder and grand theft auto on December 9, 2021.

Detective (45:46): "She felt entitled to eliminating Jolene so that she could maintain her own false reality."

Kessler was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Aftermath and Ongoing Search

Despite Kessler's conviction, Jolene Cummings' body has yet to be recovered, leaving the Cummings family without complete closure. Investigators remain committed to locating Jolene, maintaining hope that she will one day be reunited with her family.

Detective (46:16): "I will never give up hope on locating Jolene."

Jolene's two sons are now being raised by their father, Jason Cummings, while her daughter lives with her grandmother, Ann Johnson.

Conclusion

The case of Kimberly Kessler and Jolene Cummings serves as a stark reminder of the complexities within personal relationships and the lengths to which individuals may go to protect their secrets. Snapped: Women Who Murder masterfully unravels this chilling narrative, offering listeners an in-depth exploration of the motives, behaviors, and judicial processes that culminated in Kessler's conviction.

Key Quotes:

• Ann Johnson (04:16): "I just felt like something bad had happened and that she wouldn't be back."

• Detective (09:25): "A custody dispute can be a huge motivator to possibly do violence."

• Witness (11:05): "She decided she didn't want to have any part of the police."

• Witness (40:14): "She stabbed me in the chest, she bit my dad."

• Detective (43:18): "If a person is a very, very convincing actor, they could convince somebody that they have delusional disorder."

• Detective (45:46): "She felt entitled to eliminating Jolene so that she could maintain her own false reality."

• Detective (46:16): "I will never give up hope on locating Jolene."

This episode encapsulates the intricate dynamics of deceit, obsession, and the relentless pursuit of justice, making it a compelling listen for true crime enthusiasts seeking a comprehensive understanding of one of the most unsettling cases in recent memory.