Who Killed Jennifer Judd? Episode 7: Redneck Bundy Release Date: September 25, 2024

Introduction

In Episode 7 of Who Killed Jennifer Judd?, host Sarah Cailean delves deeper into the perplexing case of Jennifer Judd’s unsolved murder. Titled "Redneck Bundy," this episode explores the evolving list of suspects, unearths new evidence, and examines connections to other unsolved cases, particularly those involving convicted murderer Jeremy Jones. By meticulously analyzing interviews, case files, and confessions, Sarah aims to shed light on the lingering mystery that has baffled investigators for over three decades.

Narrowing Down the Suspect List

[02:02 - 06:38] Sarah begins by providing an update on the investigation into Jennifer Judd’s murder. After gaining access to the case files, she has significantly narrowed down the list of suspects, eliminating Jennifer’s husband, Justin Judd, and several of Justin’s friends, including his best friend, Tommy Davis. The focus now rests on three primary suspects: Jeremy Jones, Chuck Chance, and Alan Redden.

"In the three months since I gained access to the case files...I've narrowed the suspect list quite considerably," Sarah explains (02:15).

Interview with Alan Redden

[02:02 - 06:38] Sarah recounts her interaction with Alan Redden, one of the primary suspects. Alan, who had been imprisoned for first-degree robbery, was contacted following a tip that placed him in connection with Jennifer Judd’s murder. During their conversation, Alan denies any involvement, stating:

"I don't ever remember harassing anybody or any family. I've never heard that girl or anything else." (03:30)

Despite his conviction history, Alan appears cooperative but insists he has nothing to hide. Sarah expresses confidence in his innocence unless DNA evidence contradicts his claims:

"He doesn't seem...skittish. Nothing indicates to me he's lying." (05:10)

Ultimately, Sarah anticipates that DNA testing will likely rule Alan out as a suspect, allowing her to focus solely on Jeremy Jones and Chuck Chance.

Chuck Chance Eliminated as a Suspect

[06:38 - 09:19] A significant breakthrough arrives when Detective Joel Taber from the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office contacts Sarah with critical information. He reveals that the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) had conducted DNA testing in 2015, which conclusively proves that Chuck Chance was not the perpetrator. Sarah expresses frustration over KBI's delayed communication:

"It's a shitty tactic... Maybe they're stalling as they try to solve the case themselves." (07:45)

This revelation effectively removes Chuck Chance from the suspect list, leaving Jeremy Jones as the remaining primary suspect in Jennifer’s murder.

Jeremy Jones: The Enigmatic Confessionist

[09:19 - 18:12] With Chuck Chance out of the picture, Sarah turns her attention to Jeremy Jones, a man with a notorious criminal background and a history of both violent crimes and confessions to other murders. Jeremy Jones had previously confessed to the murders of Doris Harris and Danny Oakley, among others, but both the KBI and Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) dismissed his confessions.

"I think it's a much more important target... if his confessions are true." Sarah muses (20:45).

Jones claims that Danny Oakley was involved in drug dealings, suggesting that the murders were a response to financial disputes within the drug trade. However, the lack of concrete evidence and the authorities' skepticism cast doubt on his reliability.

Interview with Paula Barnett: Unraveling Doris Harris’s Murder

[11:39 - 25:17] Sarah interviews Paula Barnett, sister of Doris Harris—another victim allegedly confessed to by Jeremy Jones. Paula provides a poignant recount of the day Doris and Danny Oakley were murdered:

"On February 21, 1996, the bodies of Paula's sister Doris and Doris's boyfriend Danny Oakley were found... Danny in the back of the head, Doris in the face." (11:56)

Paula describes the minimal investigation efforts and highlights inconsistencies in the police reports, particularly regarding the use of accelerants and the trajectory of the fire that was set to obscure the crime scene. She remains skeptical of the official narrative and remains open to the possibility that Jeremy Jones might be telling the truth.

"Danny Oakley did not have a job... So he had to have had some source of money coming in." Paula speculates on Danny’s involvement in drug trafficking (17:50).

Paula’s dedication is evident as she has meticulously gathered evidence over 28 years, including phone records, autopsy reports, and newspaper articles, all compiled in her extensive binder.

Interview with Ken Bowles: A Banker’s Connection

[32:37 - 40:07] Ken Bowles, a local banker, becomes a pivotal figure in this investigation. He had brief interactions with Danny Oakley and witnessed suspicious activity surrounding the time of the murders. Sarah narrates her attempt to contact Ken:

"He frequently had people come by the bank like Paula Barnett." (35:19)

During their meeting, Ken reveals:

"They stole a phone in Oakley’s vehicle that my niece was driving was ringing and it was Kenneth Bowles telling my niece that her mom and Danny were dead." (33:11)

Ken discusses his troubled interaction with Jeremy Jones, who had previously threatened him:

"He dated an ex-girlfriend of Jeremy Jones. Jeremy Jones broke in... threatening them." (37:50)

This encounter underscores Jeremy Jones’s volatile nature and potential capability for orchestrating murders either directly or through hired associates.

Connections to Other Unsolved Cases

[25:17 - 37:02] Sarah draws parallels between the Jennifer Judd case and other unsolved murders in the region, particularly those to which Jeremy Jones confessed. These include:

• The murders of Doris Harris and Danny Oakley
• The killings of Sarah Palmer and Harmon Fenton
• The abductions of Ashley and Laura Bible

Sarah posits that if Jeremy Jones is truthful, his pattern of behavior indicates a progression from personal motives to more calculated, hire-driven killings.

"If Jones is telling the truth in his many confessions, it seems that Jennifer Judd is the first person he killed." (24:05)

This theory suggests that Jennifer Judd’s murder could have been a foundational act that allowed Jones to refine his methods for subsequent crimes, making them appear more seamless and professional.

Critique of Law Enforcement’s Handling of Confessions

[37:02 - 49:07] A recurring theme in the episode is the skepticism surrounding law enforcement’s dismissal of Jeremy Jones’s confessions. Despite his detailed accounts, both KBI and OSBI have consistently refuted his claims without substantial evidence.

"Why did the KBI and OSBI dismiss Jones so quickly?" Sarah questions (38:22).

Through multiple interviews and the examination of procedural shortcomings, Sarah highlights potential biases or hidden agendas that may have led investigators to disregard Jones’s confessions unfairly. This critical analysis raises questions about the integrity and thoroughness of the ongoing investigation.

Conclusion and Continuing Investigation

As the episode wraps up, Sarah acknowledges the lingering doubts about Jeremy Jones’s involvement in Jennifer Judd’s murder. While official channels remain unconvinced, the testimonies of individuals like Paula Barnett and Ken Bowles provide compelling circumstantial evidence that challenges the status quo.

"Everyone thinks Jones is capable of anything... Except the police officers who so quickly dismissed his confessions." (44:22).

Sarah underscores the importance of re-evaluating the evidence with an open mind, advocating for further DNA testing and a fresh look at Jeremy Jones’s history to uncover the truth behind Jennifer Judd’s tragic death.

Notable Quotes

• "I don't ever remember harassing anybody or any family. I've never heard that girl or anything else." — Alan Redden (03:30)

• "Danny Oakley did not have a job... So he had to have had some source of money coming in." — Paula Barnett (17:50)

• "Why did the KBI and OSBI dismiss Jones so quickly?" — Sarah Cailean (38:22)

• "Everyone thinks Jones is capable of anything... Except the police officers who so quickly dismissed his confessions." — Sarah Cailean (44:22)

Looking Ahead

In the next episode, Sarah promises to unveil more about Jeremy Jones’s day of the murder, hinting at uncovering critical inconsistencies and delving deeper into Jones’s potential role in Jennifer Judd’s death.

"Next time on who Killed Jennifer Judd? Everything he did that day makes no sense." (48:30).

Who Killed Jennifer Judd? continues to unravel the intricate web surrounding this cold case, offering listeners a thorough and engaging exploration of unresolved mysteries and the relentless pursuit of justice.