Kimberly Kessler

Summary

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.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Start building your credit today with Kickoff, the number one credit building app in the App Store. They have plans that start at just $5 a month and there's no credit check, no hidden fees, and no interest. I'm currently saving for a wedding and hopefully one day a house, so staying on top of my credit is always part of my planning since I rent. I find Kickoff's rent reporting feature fascinating. You could build credit with rent you're already paying for. If your credit is under 600, you could jump like 28 points in your first month. Shake off credit hangover and look forward to brighter credit with kickoff. Get your first month for just a dollar at getkickoff.com snap today. That's 80% off kickoff without the C get K-I K-O-F-F.com Snapt must sign up via getkickoff.com snap to activate offer. Offer applies to new customers first month only, subject to approval. Offer subject to change terms and conditions may apply. Pointstat based on Equifax VantageScore 3.0 changes for kickoff users starting under who made their first on time payment between January 2021 and March 2024. Payment and credit activity outside pickoff can have an impact on your credit. Individual results may vary.

[Advertiser]

Bombas makes the most comfortable socks, underwear and T shirts. Warning.

[Narrator]

Bombas are so absurdly comfortable you may throw out all your other clothes. Sorry, do we legally have to say that? No, this is just how I talk. And I really love my Bombas.

[Advertiser]

They do feel that good.

[Narrator]

And they do good too. One item purchased equals one item donated.

[Advertiser]

To feel good and do good, go.

[Narrator]

To bombas.comwondry and use co wonry for 20% off your first purchase. That's b o m b-s.comwondry and use code Wondry at checkout.

[Advertiser]

When a devoted mother disappears, loved ones fear the worst.

[Detective]

No matter where Jolene was at, she would always answer her phone.

[Narrator]

I just felt like something bad had happened and that she wouldn't be back.

[Advertiser]

A woman with a history of choosing the wrong man.

[Narrator]

She didn't always pick the best guys know why? She could always do so much better. I got text messages, people saying he's bad news.

[Advertiser]

Crosses a stranger with a secret past.

[Witness]

She went by around 17 different aliases. She had several driver's licenses in different states.

[Narrator]

We just didn't know what we had at that point. Who is this lady?

[Advertiser]

You know she can hold off.

[Narrator]

She to be the most charming bubble person ever and snap.

[Advertiser]

The search uncovers an overwhelming amount of lies and unspeakable violence.

[Witness]

And you say, holy crap, you know, something really serious happened in here.

[Advertiser]

She stabbed me in the chest. She bit my dad.

[Detective]

And she was extremely jealous. She was very controlling. She was at times very violent. This is a weird, evil woman.

[Advertiser]

The quaint charm of Fernandina Beach, Florida makes it a favorite destination for locals and visitors alike.

[Detective]

Fernandina beach is located on Amelia Island. It's in the very northeastern corner of Florida, just above Jacksonville.

[Narrator]

It's a little island, everybody knows everybody and so it's a great place to grow up and raise a family.

[Advertiser]

But on May 14, 2018, a feeling of dread settles over the beach town when Ann Johnson calls the local sheriff's office to report her 34 year old daughter Jolene Cummings missing.

[Narrator]

We originally got a call from Ann Johnson and she said the last time somebody spoke to Jolene was May 12th. And a couple days later, no one had still heard from her.

[Advertiser]

Ann says she began to worry on Sunday, May 13, when Jolene failed to pick up her two sons after their week long visit with their father.

[Witness]

The kid's father contacted her mother. Ann Johnson said, you know where Jolene's at? She's supposed to pick the kids up. And he didn't know where she was.

[Advertiser]

What's more, The Sunday of May 13th was a very special day for Jolene and her kids.

[Narrator]

Her mother told me it was Jolene's birthday and also this is Mother's Day.

[Detective]

Jolene's mother reported that she had not been able to reach her by phone.

[Witness]

It was a big concern that she couldn't be found because she does have kids, she loves her kids, so certainly you want to try to find them as soon as possible.

[Narrator]

I just felt like something bad had happened and that she wouldn't be back.

[Advertiser]

Born on May 13, 1984, Jolene Jensen was a small town girl who loved her family fiercely.

[Narrator]

It was just Jolene and her mom and her stepdad. They had a good relationship. They were always together having family dinners.

[Advertiser]

Joyful and energetic, Jolene drew people in.

[Narrator]

Jolene had a large circle of friends. Everybody loved Jolene.

[Advertiser]

After graduating high school, Jolene left for cosmetology school. But she knew she would never be gone for long.

[Narrator]

Jolene was very much a small town girl. She wanted to own a salon, so the small town is the best for that.

[Advertiser]

After a few years away and a failed relationship that left her a single mother, Jolene moved back to her hometown.

[Narrator]

Jolene was very excited to be a mom. She didn't always pick the best guys. I don't know why. She could always do so much better.

[Detective]

She worked at Tangles Hair Salon in Fernandina Beach.

[Narrator]

The salon we worked at was a very family friendly place. We had fun there. Everybody got along, you know, had lunches together. She was the light of the salon.

[Advertiser]

Jolene used this time to build toward her dreams.

[Narrator]

She advertised herself a lot on social media and she built a very good clientele. I never knew a day that she wasn't booked.

[Advertiser]

Jolene's career was taking off, and when she met Jason Cummings, her personal life quickly followed suit. After the birth of their first son in 2013, they married, and Jolene gave birth to another boy in 2015.

[Narrator]

She was so obsessed with those babies that nothing else mattered. Those kids came first.

[Advertiser]

Although Jolene was overjoyed to grow her family, her marriage to Jason soon began to fray.

[Narrator]

They didn't have a very good relationship in the end, but she kept trying. She loved him, and she always put her men and her kids before anything.

[Advertiser]

The two separated in 2017.

[Detective]

She.

[Narrator]

She wasn't real talkative about Jason. She was focused on her kids. They would go visit their father, but her kids always lived with Jolene.

[Advertiser]

Soon after the separation, she began dating someone new. But after her past failed relationships, Jolene wanted to keep this one to herself.

[Narrator]

With Minsch, she was a very private girl. I knew she was dating a new guy, and at times when I would see her, she was very excited. It was new. It was butterflies.

[Advertiser]

Jolene was enjoying motherhood, a flourishing career, and a growing romance. It seemed all of the pieces of her life were falling into Place. Until May 14, 2018, when the reliable mother is nowhere to be found.

[Narrator]

Everyone was just panicking. We didn't know what could have happened. We still held on to the hope that she was okay somewhere, but it was like deep down we knew better.

[Advertiser]

Local authorities start their search by contacting the first person to notice Jolene's absence, her estranged husband, Jason Cummings.

[Detective]

Jolene was going through a divorce with her husband, Jason Cummings, and the final custody had not been determined. A custody dispute can be a huge motivator to possibly do violence. I wanted to meet with him in person.

[Advertiser]

Jason agrees to come to the sheriff's office the next day for an interview. And investigators continue to call more of Jolene's family and friends through contacting people.

[Detective]

Who know her and doing interviews with them. The last place that we could determine that Jolene was seen was at her place of employment at Tangles hair salon. On the 12th of May. We talked to the salon Owner. We got the names of the people who were working that day. She had Jolene Cummings, who had been with her for several years, Ann Morgan, who had been there for approximately 10 years. And she had a newer employee who had only been there for a couple of months. And her name was Jennifer Seibert.

[Advertiser]

The salon owner says Jolene and Jennifer closed the salon on Saturday, May 12, around 5:00pm well, we knew the type.

[Witness]

Of vehicle that Jolene drove was not anywhere near the salon, and the salon had a camera, but it was not working.

[Detective]

We did attempt to ping her cell phone, and the cell phone was either not working or it had been turned off. We checked her bank records, we checked social media accounts. None of those had had any activity since the last day that she had worked, which was on May 12. We know that after that, nobody had seen her. So the focus of our timeline was basically between the 12th and the 14th.

[Advertiser]

Investigators immediately release a description of Jolene and her vehicle to the local news and reach out to her co worker, Jennifer.

[Detective]

We asked if Jolene mentioned anything about going anywhere. Jennifer went into a long explanation about why she could not be involved in a law enforcement investigation. She stated that she had an ex boyfriend who was a computer expert and he was a stalker and if her name was listed anywhere, he would track her down. I said, I just need to know, did you work with Jolene on Saturday and if she discussed any upcoming plans? Jennifer stated that her and Jolene were not close, that Jolene was acting normally, and that she didn't mention any upcoming plans for the weekend.

[Advertiser]

With concern for Jolene mounting, detectives dig deeper into her history.

[Detective]

If somebody's reported missing, we're going to look for recent police reports. I had discovered a previous police report on 9 May, there had been a domestic situation. Jason G. Had come over and asked to spend the night. When she told him he could not spend the night, he got upset.

[Advertiser]

Detectives then arranged to meet Jolene's stepfather at her home to conduct a wellness check. And what they find is concerning that.

[Narrator]

Afternoon, On Monday the 14th, we noticed that the residence was secured, but once.

[Detective]

Entering in, the house looked a little bit in disarray.

[Narrator]

There are some cabinet doors that were loose, some holes in the walls.

[Detective]

We actually reached out to an officer.

[Narrator]

Who had responded there, and he advised that that was typical for that house.

[Advertiser]

Coming up, detectives suspect that Jolene's disappearance could be connected to her complicated love life.

[Detective]

We did discover that sometimes Jolene may not have made the best decisions with the guys that she chose to date.

[Witness]

We'd call him. He'd hang up. We'd go to his house. He's not there. It seemed like he's trying to avoid us.

[Advertiser]

May 15, 2018. It's been three days since 34 year old mother Jolene Cummings was last seen.

[Narrator]

No one knew what had happened, but we had a feeling something bad had happened.

[Advertiser]

After finding her house in disarray, investigators start looking into the men in Jolene's life, beginning with her estranged husband, Jason Cummings.

[Detective]

Jolene was going through a divorce with her husband. If somebody's reported missing and going through a separation or a divorce, you know the person involved with that is going to be one of the first people we look at.

[Advertiser]

Three days after Jolene's disappearance, Jason sits down with detectives for an interview. He admits that he and Jolene had arguments, but denies any physical altercations.

[Narrator]

I wouldn't threaten a woman. My dad would kick my ass up.

[Detective]

All up and down this earth, and.

[Narrator]

That'S my kid's mom.

[Detective]

But what I do take seriously is my family. He gave an alibi of being with some friends at a specific location all weekend. I asked him for permission to search and download his cellular phone. I didn't find anything of evidentiary value on the cell phone. He also gave written consent for a search of his vehicle. We actually had a crime scene unit go out and examine it and take photos of it, but we saw nothing inside the vehicle of a suspicious nature.

[Advertiser]

Before the interview is over, Jason Cummings has a question about the other man in Jolene's life.

[Narrator]

I was just. I. Can you please.

[Detective]

I've been so cooperative. Can you please tell me about this guy? She has a guy that she's been seeing and we're looking into that, trying to locate him for interview. I've got text messages from other people.

[Narrator]

Saying he's bad news.

[Detective]

But you've never physically seen the guy?

[Narrator]

I've never, I've never met him.

[Advertiser]

Detectives find Jason Cummings has never been charged nor convicted of any crimes against Jolene. So they release him while they work to confirm his alibi.

[Detective]

At that point in time, we began to look for Jolene's boyfriend, Jason G. Whose name and information I had discovered. In a domestic incident. There was no physical violence documented, but it was documented that he had gotten angry and damaged the cabinets in the home.

[Witness]

When we tried to contact Jason G. We would call him, he'd hang up, we'd go to his house. He's not there. It seemed like he's trying to avoid us.

[Detective]

He had a active warrant for violation of Probation. And we knew that he was dodging that. But still, the more he dodged us, he certainly was becoming more of a suspect.

[Advertiser]

Investigators concentrate more resources on locating Jason.

[Detective]

We were also looking at his background in any relatives, any friends, any locations that he frequented. Jason G. Was eventually found in Hillyard, Florida. He had a relative that lived there. Law enforcement went to the relative's house. He was hiding under some boxes in the bedroom.

[Advertiser]

Authorities arrest Jason G. On an outstanding warrant and bring him in for an interview.

[Detective]

Jason G. Had some criminal history and some brushes with the law, but you pronounce your last name G or G, you hear coming up on a probation violation. Okay, you are in custody. You're not free to leave. I want to talk to you about something else. Have you heard of Joanne was missing?

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[Detective]

Can we go just kind of back to the beginning how you guys got together where you met.

[Narrator]

A little over a year ago. She had like one more day together. We honor is to party and I mean we just got together.

[Detective]

Just click.

[Narrator]

Last time I seen her, it was a night. We got an argument and she always accused me of messing around.

[Detective]

I went over there to see what was in the house. There was some cabinets broken. There was some holes and stuff. Did that happen that night?

[Narrator]

No.

[Detective]

And what about the. What about. There was some holes in the door where somebody punched.

[Advertiser]

Detectives pressed Jason G. For his whereabouts on the day Jolene went missing.

[Detective]

We know she was at work on Saturday, but we've already started from her since then.

[Narrator]

I got my cousin's house Saturday.

[Detective]

When's the last time you talked to her?

[Narrator]

Well, I was texting with her Saturday.

[Detective]

Okay. Was she at work or where was she at?

[Narrator]

She was not taking. She was at work because it was like 3:50 something. Drifting so lovely.

[Advertiser]

For detectives, this information raises a red flag. It's the same day Jolene was last seen and only an hour before the salon closed.

[Detective]

Do you still have the messages in your phone from.

[Narrator]

I don't have a phone. I'm sure you can get it through the phone company, but. Yeah.

[Detective]

You don't have it?

[Narrator]

No, sir.

[Advertiser]

The whereabouts of Jason's phone fuels only more suspicion.

[Narrator]

Cousins or at my aunt's, where I was this morning. I took the battery out of it and I said. I mean, I haven't been on it.

[Detective]

You're taking your battery out of phone.

[Narrator]

Are you afraid they're pinging your phone.

[Detective]

Trying to find you?

[Narrator]

I told you the reason I was. I got a warrant for. For violation probation. I didn't want to come to jail. I didn't have nothing to do with the.

[Detective]

I'm not, I'm not buying what you're telling me.

[Narrator]

I'm telling you the truth, man. That had nothing to do with just.

[Detective]

He's knowing he's going to sit in jail for a little while. He's obviously angry with law enforcement. But when it comes to Jolene, you know, his demeanor did change. He seemed legitimately concerned that she was missing.

[Advertiser]

Investigators need to confirm Jason's alibi. But first they head to the last place Jolene was spotted, the salon.

[Witness]

We had no other indication she was anywhere else. Nobody seen her after work. I know one had seen her leave work.

[Narrator]

We didn't know what time or if Jolene Cummings actually walked out of the hair salon.

[Advertiser]

Coming up, a potential witness refuses to cooperate with police.

[Witness]

She calls her owner, said, hey, I'm quitting. You come out my check. I can't be involved in any police activity.

[Advertiser]

And new, new evidence sends investigators on a hunt for a mysterious suspect.

[Detective]

Once the vehicle is parked, a minute or so later, you can see someone exit the driver's side.

[Advertiser]

Ready for a new year health and fitness breakthrough that will blow your friggin mind. I'm Carl, co founder of Bodi. That's Bodi with an I and this is the Bodi Bogo sale. Right now, if you sign up for.

[Narrator]

A one year subscription to BODI, I'll.

[Advertiser]

Pay for your entire second year. That's 78% off our monthly price and our best deal ever. Look, it's not easy to get fit and lose weight, especially if you want healthy results. At Bodi, we make it simple to reverse years of unhealthy habits. We have over 130 structured programs like For Beginners Only, 21 Day Fix, P90X and Insanity. Our app also has complete eating plans and thousands of healthy, delicious recipes. Let's take the guesswork out of getting you fast results. The next 500 people who sign up for a year of Bodi get a full second year free. It's time to love your Bodi. Just go to bodi.com that's B O D I.com planning any exciting trips this year? I bet something you might not be planning is learning the local language.

[Narrator]

Well, with Babbel, you only need a few weeks to learn this year.

[Advertiser]

Speak like a whole new you with Babbel, the language learning app that gets you talking.

[Narrator]

Babbel's quick 10 minute lessons, handcrafted by over 200 language experts get you to begin speaking your new language in three weeks or whatever pace you choose. And because conversing is the key to.

[Advertiser]

Really understanding each other in new languages.

[Narrator]

Babbel is designed using practical real world conversations.

[Advertiser]

Let's get more of you talking in a new language.

[Narrator]

Babbel is gifting our listeners 60% off.

[Advertiser]

[e-mail] TrueCrime get up to 60% [e-mail] Truecrime spelled B A B B E L.com TrueCrime Babbel.com TrueCrime rules and restrictions may apply. May 15, 2018. 34 year old mother of three Jolene Cummings has been missing for more than 48 hours. Up until now, the investigation has centered on Jolene's former spouse Jason Cummings and her boyfriend Jason G. Both men say they were visiting friends and family the weekend of Jolene's disappearance.

[Witness]

Jason Cummings gave us all of his phones and we could check and see where he was at and so we could eliminate him as being any person of interest or even a suspect.

[Advertiser]

Despite having a criminal record, detectives are also able to clear Jason G. Jason.

[Detective]

G. Gave an alibi that he was at some friend's house in Jacksonville. We sent detectives to talk to the friends in Jacksonville who confirmed that he was there. Jason G's father confirmed that he was the one who transported him.

[Advertiser]

With their leads dwindling, authorities decide to circle back to the location where Jolene was last seen. The salon.

[Narrator]

One of our detectives went to the hair salon and while he's in there speaking to the owner of the hair salon, Jennifer Seibert comes to the shop.

[Witness]

Only Jennifer Sibert and Jolene Cummings were working that day. So Jennifer was the last person that we know seen her.

[Narrator]

The owner of the shop actually told Jennifer, hey, there's a detective in here that wants to speak to you.

[Advertiser]

However, Jennifer makes it clear once again that she doesn't want to get involved.

[Witness]

She decided she didn't want to have any part of the police. As she leaves, she said, hey, I'm quitting. You come out of my check. I can't be involved in any police activity, which is a concern.

[Detective]

I thought it was very unusual, but there are certainly people who don't like law enforcement and don't want contact with law enforcement.

[Advertiser]

As detectives prepare to look deeper into Jennifer's background, they receive their biggest tip yet.

[Witness]

Well, after we put the flyer out for Jolene's vehicle, we did receive a call from an individual who thought he seen that vehicle in a Home Depot parking lot. When we responded, we verified that it was Jolene's car.

[Detective]

When we searched the vehicle, we did not see any kind of blood or anything of evidentiary value. Once we found her vehicle, it gave us a place you start. Plan to work backwards from there. So what we did was we looked for surveillance video.

[Advertiser]

When investigators pull video surveillance from a nearby bank, they make a startling discovery.

[Detective]

Early in the morning, the 13th, at about 1:17, you could see the vehicle being driven into the Home Depot parking lot. A minute or so later, you could see someone exit the driver's side.

[Advertiser]

The grainy footage makes it impossible to identify the driver, but investigators can see the figure walk to a nearby gas station.

[Narrator]

One of the videos was from a gate Gas station was a very clear video showing the female wearing all black enter into the store.

[Detective]

Once she enters into the gas station and walks up near the counter, the surveillance is even clearer. And you know, judging off the driver's license picture I have, I'm like, that's Jennifer Seibert.

[Advertiser]

With this new revelation on Wednesday, May 16, investigators return to Jolene's place of work for a closer look.

[Narrator]

The salon had been closed since Jolene Cummings disappearance due to the fact that the salons normally closed Sunday, Monday. On Tuesday, when the owner showed up to open up the business, she had no employees there to cut hair. The salon being closed was pretty important in that nobody had cleaned anything. Nothing had been disturbed.

[Advertiser]

When the crime scene unit applies luminol, a chemical that reacts with blood, hidden horrors are revealed.

[Witness]

Just lit up and you say, holy crap, you know, something really serious happened in here.

[Detective]

That was really the moment when I said, I'm working a homicide investigation. Our number one priority at that point in time is to find Jennifer. Cyber.

[Advertiser]

Detectives send samples of the blood evidence for DNA testing. While they wait for results, they release a BOLO for Jennifer's vehicle and ping her phone. Location data places her somewhere in neighboring St. Johns County.

[Detective]

St. John's county, which is a couple counties south of Nassau. She had given a false address to her employer. Instructions were given to check any area where somebody needed to stay or sleep in their car.

[Narrator]

We were informed, hey, she's a transient. Sometimes she's living out of her vehicle.

[Advertiser]

But.

[Narrator]

So I went to a rest area. I was not expecting to find her vehicle, but when I looked to my left and saw her black KIA between two semis, I knew it was her. I made a phone call to another detective. I told him, hey, her vehicle's here.

[Detective]

Several detectives quickly responded to St. Johns county, including myself. We approached and it appeared that there was someone sleeping in the vehicle. At that point in time, I Gave the person verbal commands to step out of the vehicle. With their hands visible. Jennifer Seibert exited the front door of the vehicle.

[Witness]

She had a nasty cut on her face. Her story was she was riding a bicycle and he ran into a tree. But that's not what she would have looked like if she'd hit a tree. Looks like she'd been in a fight. We asked her, have you ever been in Jolene's vehicle? She said no, never have.

[Detective]

At that point in time I knew she was lying. I then confronted her and said, I don't believe you. At that time she said, well, if you don't believe me, maybe I need an attorney.

[Advertiser]

Investigators placed Jennifer under arrest and transport her to the St. Johns County Jail.

[Narrator]

We originally charged Jennifer Seibert with grand theft of Jolene's vehicle.

[Witness]

We need to continue gathering evidence, looking for any clues, certainly looking see if we can find Jolene somewhere.

[Advertiser]

They start by canvassing the area around the salon for more surveillance footage.

[Detective]

We did discover a camera for the alleyway behind Tangles where the dumpsters are located. In that video you can see Jennifer Seibert exiting the rear of the business with large garbage bags and throwing them into the dumpster behind the business for several hours after Tangles was closed on 12 May.

[Advertiser]

Footage further shows a truck emptying the dumpster on May 14, just two hours after Jolene was reported missing.

[Detective]

We contacted the company that services the dumpsters and they were able to give us a general area of where that particular truck dumped. We asked him to isolate that area so that we could later search it.

[Advertiser]

Authorities obtain a search warrant for Jennifer's car.

[Witness]

We found a bag in there with combs and scissors.

[Detective]

The screw that attaches two pieces of scissors together. There was a little bit of a darker color substance in there. Could have been rust. It could have been anything. It was something we need to have analyzed. We did that and it did come back as positive for not just blood but Jolene's blood.

[Narrator]

I did believe at that point that we had located the murder weapon.

[Advertiser]

Detectives also discover a record of purchases made by Jennifer at Walmart. Around 9pm on May 12, the last day Jolene was seen alive, the detective.

[Detective]

Went to Walmart and obtained video surveillance.

[Narrator]

She bought ammonia, large trash bags, gloves and a carving knife.

[Advertiser]

Detectives re examine the hours of surveillance footage and quickly realize that after Jennifer purchased the items at Walmart, she returned to the salon. Over an hour later she emerges and continues her trips to the dumpster.

[Witness]

What really floored me was the electric knife. When I Saw that. I'm thinking she cut Jolene up, stuffed her in those black trash bags, and threw her away like garbage.

[Advertiser]

Coming up, a shocking confession with a twist no one sees coming.

[Narrator]

I am 50 years old. I've been running from the FBI for over 25 years.

[Detective]

At the time, I had no idea if this was true or not true.

[Narrator]

All of a sudden, there's this information with a little girl named Jennifer Seibert, same date of birth, who died in a car accident in Germany. At 13 years old, it just gave us chills.

[Advertiser]

Jolene Cummings is missing and presumed dead. Her co worker, Jenn Jennifer Seibert is in custody after surveillance video shows her stealing Jolene's vehicle. But blood evidence now points to a much darker crime.

[Witness]

When the Luminol lit up the salon, it was obviously a lot of blood. At that point, we knew we had a murder on our hands.

[Detective]

The amounts of blood that were found on the. On the walls and the floor, there were samples of those collected. They were sent, and they did come back as Joanne's DNA. The evidence was mounting, and we knew that this crime occurred inside Tangles.

[Witness]

When you ever. You have a murder and you can't locate the body, it's a difficult case. You have to have overwhelming evidence.

[Advertiser]

Investigators search the landfill where they believe Jolene's body may be located.

[Detective]

The area was enormous. It was almost inconceivable, the amount of refuge that we went through. We analyzed what we could, but nothing of evidentiary value was found.

[Advertiser]

Investigators search for a potential motive by interviewing the staff about Jennifer and Jolene's relationship.

[Detective]

When Jennifer Seibert first went to work at Tangles, it seemed like her and Jolene got along very well. But as time went on, there was tension and eventually downright just dislike between the two.

[Narrator]

Jolene had all the clients. I don't think she was making the.

[Advertiser]

Money that Jolene was making.

[Narrator]

Jolene had talked to me about Jennifer and said that something was really weird with her.

[Advertiser]

Another co worker, Ann Morgan, who has worked with Jolene for nearly six years, claims that the day before her disappearance, Jolene and Jennifer argued.

[Narrator]

Jolene say, go away. I don't want to talk to you. You fake. You crazy. You fake. She told me, she said, Ms. Ann, something about Jennifer that I cannot put my hand on it.

[Advertiser]

She not right.

[Detective]

Jolene basically told her, you're not who you say you are, and I'm gonna find out who you are.

[Advertiser]

Detectives believe that the cryptic confrontation may have led to Jolene's murder.

[Witness]

Something triggered Jennifer to do this. What exactly was. We don't know.

[Advertiser]

On May 18, after two days in custody, Jennifer drops a bombshell.

[Detective]

We want to talk to you for a few minutes.

[Narrator]

I was going to tell you. When you run my fingerprints through, they come up as Kimberly Lee Kessler. I was born in May of 1968, May 9th. I am 50 years old. I've been running from the FBI for a 25 years. We just didn't know what we had at that point. Who is this lady? What is she about? Where is she from?

[Advertiser]

Kimberly says she grew up in Butler, Pennsylvania.

[Narrator]

I was an honor roll student. I was a cheerleader, and my mom started, like, acting crazy on me, and I started hanging out with the crowd that would take me in.

[Advertiser]

Kimberly tells investigators that she dropped out of school and left Pennsylvania for something new that proved dangerous.

[Narrator]

One of my first relationships in Arizona, I was working as a topless dancer at a topless bar in Phoenix and just started going out with him and whatever. And he was with me whenever he called somebody and they said, the FBI is looking for you. And then he tells me everything. Oh, I robbed these banks. I'm like, you what? And I hid him in my apartment. And that was like, kind of almost the beginning.

[Advertiser]

Kimberly claims that after the relationship ended, she changed her name and went on the run.

[Narrator]

I got my real estate license. I have driven tractor and trailer, which I did in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

[Witness]

She stuck by the premise that she was running from an ex who she was afraid of.

[Advertiser]

When the conversation shifts to Jolene, Kimberly quickly shuts it down.

[Detective]

She said that she thought you were fake. She thought you were phony, and she was gonna look you up.

[Narrator]

I don't remember any of that.

[Detective]

I think you know where Jolene is, but she's out there somewhere. Her body's out there somewhere, and you're the one that can make it happen right now.

[Narrator]

No, I cannot.

[Advertiser]

What's more, investigators find no proof that anyone is pursuing Kimberly, FBI or otherwise.

[Detective]

@ the time, I had no idea what was true or not true. So we set to work on finding out who she was.

[Narrator]

I typed in the name Jennifer Seibert, date of birth, and all of a sudden, there's this information with a little girl named Jennifer Seibert, same date of birth, who was in a car accident in Germany. She died at 13 years old. It just gave us chills. She was buried in Butler, Pennsylvania, and we knew that Jennifer was from Butler, Pennsylvania.

[Advertiser]

They suspect she stole the real Jennifer Sibert's identity from her gravestone.

[Detective]

A detective contacted the real Jennifer Sibert's father, he was very surprised. He said that he had no idea how Kimberly Kessler could have obtained his daughter's information. I've worked identity theft before. There's sites you can go to online, dark web and such and get that kind of thing.

[Advertiser]

Pennsylvania authorities tell detectives that Kimberly Kessler was reported missing by her mother in 2004 when she was 36 years old.

[Detective]

She was an adult at the time she went missing. As a matter of fact, her mother waited several years before she even reported her missing. I think she had talked about leaving, getting out of Butler, Pennsylvania. We actually sent an FBI agent to the mother's home and got a DNA swab and discovered, yes, this is truly her daughter.

[Advertiser]

Investigators continue digging, conducting interviews with anyone who knew Kimberly.

[Narrator]

We dated and lived together for a while.

[Advertiser]

Well, Kim seemed to be the most.

[Narrator]

Charming bubble person ever and snap in.

[Detective]

Talking with people that she had dated in the past. She was extremely jealous. She was very controlling. She was at times very violent.

[Advertiser]

She stabbed me in the chest, bit my cat.

[Witness]

When we're interviewing people, we found out she went by around 17 different aliases. She had several driver's licenses in different states.

[Detective]

This is a, a weird, evil woman.

[Advertiser]

Coming up. Circumstantial evidence continues to mount. But Kimberly presents an unexpected new obstacle.

[Witness]

She was just very nasty to our deputies in the jail. She'd actually throw crap at them, cuss at them, spit on them all that.

[Advertiser]

May 2018. It's been eight days since 34 year old Jolene Cummings went missing. Investigators now suspect the mother of three has been killed by her co worker, Kimberly Kessler, who has allegedly been on the run and living under false identities for nearly 25 years. However, investigators have yet to recover a body.

[Detective]

Nobody homicides, they are much more difficult to prosecute than when you have a body. The body itself is evidence, you know, and juries are very visual people.

[Advertiser]

A search of Kimberly's cell phone leads to crucial evidence.

[Narrator]

We have her Internet searches. Co worker guilty of murder. Co worker not found. No body, no crime.

[Detective]

There were literally hundreds of searches in reference to Jolene Cummins disappear.

[Advertiser]

Despite having no body. On September 7, 2018, a Nassau county grand jury indicts Kimberly on first degree murder charges. Once she is behind bars, Kimberly exhibits a string of increasingly concerning behaviors.

[Witness]

She would just be very nasty to our deputies in the jail. She'd actually throw crap at them. She'd save in a cup and smear it on the windows all over her cell, cuss at them, spit on them.

[Detective]

All that.

[Advertiser]

The behaviors warrant enough concern to conduct a mental evaluation to determine if Kimberly is fit to stand trial.

[Narrator]

She was diagnosed with delusional disorder. Somebody who has shown that they maintain behaviors that are. That are not based in any form of fact or reality. Now, if a person is a very, very convincing actor, they could convince somebody that they have delusional disorder. So another psychologist re evaluated convincing Kimberly and based on their assessment, found that Kimberly met criteria for an unspecified personality disorder and not a delusional disorder. It's not considered to be that real break from reality that we would see in successful sorts of use of an insanity defense. Well, the judge is actually the one who makes the final decision. He decided she was clearly okay to stand for trial.

[Advertiser]

When Kimberly's trial begins in December 2021, her gaunt appearance is shocking, as are her antics.

[Detective]

When she was housed in the Nassau county jail detention facility, she went on a hunger strike.

[Witness]

Every time that Kimberly had a court hearing, she would come in and she would be disruptive. So the judge would have her removed.

[Advertiser]

The theatrics do nothing to distract prosecutors from building their case. They present Kimberly as a troubled woman who lashed out when Jolene threatened to uncover her long kept secret.

[Detective]

I think whenever Jolene told her, I'm gonna find out who you are. That was the straw that broke the camel's back.

[Narrator]

For somebody with Kimberly Kessler's personality style. Once somebody is onto them, it is not unusual for that person with that personality to get really agitated, to escalate. I believe they got into a physical altercation.

[Detective]

Jolene Cummings fought back, but I think Kimberly was able to get ahold of.

[Narrator]

A pair of scissors. That was what incapacitated Jolene Cummings so that the body could be disposed of later on in the back part of the salon. Kimberly Kessler likely felt entitled to eliminating Jolene so that she could maintain her own false reality that she had been using to get through the world all of these years. It's actually quite chilling.

[Advertiser]

On December 9, 2021, the jury convicts 53 year old Kimberly Kessler of first degree murder and grand theft auto.

[Detective]

She was sentenced to life in prison without possibility of parole.

[Advertiser]

To this day, the search for Jolene's body continues and investigators remain determined to reunite her with her beloved family.

[Detective]

I will never give up hope on locating Jolene.

[Narrator]

I love and miss Jolene very much. And I would like to say to Kimberly, if you have any decency or any feelings whatsoever, at least give this family some closure and tell them where she is. Kimberly Kessler is currently housed at a women's prison in Ocala, Florida. She is not eligible for parole. Jolene's daughter is now living with her grandmother, Ann Johnson. Jolene's two sons are being raised by their father, Jason.

[Advertiser]

Harvard is the oldest and richest university in America. But when a social media fueled fight over Harvard and its new president broke.

[Narrator]

Out last fall, that was no protection. Claudine Gay is now gone. We've exposed the DEI regime and there's much more to come. This is the Harvard Plan, a special.

[Advertiser]

Series from the Boston Globe and WNYC's on the Media. To listen, subscribe to OnTheMedia wherever you get your podcasts.