Dateline

[FDInLaw]

Dateline news will be featuring a story on the murder of Nona Dirksmeyer, the beauty queen from Russellville, AR, who was murdered in her apartment on December 15, 2005.

Kenny Johnson, of Monticello, practiced in this area for many years was the lead attorney for Kevin Jones, of Dover, AR, who was charged with Ms. Dirksmeyer’s murder.

The trial took place July 9-20, 2007 and Kevin Jones was acquitted of the murder charge.

This case was known state wide and Dateline will be featuring the story on Friday night, May 2nd on KARK, Channel Four out of Little Rock, Arkansas.

http://www.monticellolive.com/local-...d-on-dateline/


I wonder who called in this info (LOL!).

[hawgustusgloop]

No kidding! Ya gotta love the "Kenny Johnson for Circuit Judge" ad two inches away from the story, too.

[Amy]

I see the story was dated 04/28, and there are no comments yet. Guess his supporters have fallen down on their hooplas for him being spotlighted on national TV.

[FDInLaw]

Originally Posted by hawgustusgloop

No kidding! Ya gotta love the "Kenny Johnson for Circuit Judge" ad two inches away from the story, too.

R U Serious??? I didn't see that! LMBO!!!

Me thinks that the person that called in this article is the same person that turned over the crime scene photos. . . call me jaded, but ya gotta wonder. . .

[FDInLaw]

News Briefs

Story date: April 30, 2008

NBC to air show on Dirksmeyer case
NBC will air a “Dateline” special about the murder of Nona Dirksmeyer and the subsequent trial and acquittal of Kevin Jones of Dover. The show is scheduled for 9 p.m. Friday on KARK Channel 4.

http://www.couriernews.com/story.php?ID=18347

[FDInLaw]

by Keith Morrison, Dateline correspondent

If the images of Nona Dirksmeyer's fresh open face convey a certain vulnerability, it shouldn't be too surprising; at 19 years old, though she sang beautifully, looked wonderful, and had been winning some local and entering state beauty pageants, she was still struggling with an awful secret.

Secrets, of course, do not survive murder investigations, and the details of Nona's troubles spilled out for all the world to pick over.

Certainly her mother was shocked and dismayed when Nona told her that her own father sexually abused her when she was a little girl, and that later on she began to cut herself. Imagine then, how horrifying for Nona's grieving mother when the whole town learned about not just that, but eventually, in open court, the extremely personal details of Nona's love life.

Repeatedly in recent years I have found myself in the company of parents who must struggle to make sense of the senseless death of a child, to go on after a murder. How Nona's mother Carol managed it, especially when her daughter's own secrets became such a significant part of the case, I do not know.

I left her understanding very well how important it was for her to find some form of justice... some answer.

So it was hard to fault her deep suspicion of Nona's boyfriend, Kevin. After all, the local police and prosecutors -- the only authorities she could trust -- were convinced that he must have killed her. And this was a boy she had long since begun to treat as a future son-in-law!

That, however, is where the whole terrible business -- including media coverage of the crime -- began to bog down in what amounted to family loyalties. Or, as a supportive out of town relative called it, "local politics."

And highly polarized politics, at that. Debates over the boyfriend's guilt or innocence actually stirred up regional resentments and rivalries that date right back to the civil war. As a result, covering the murder of Nona Dirksmeyer was a sometimes tricky business; local media outlets began to take a lot of flak for allegedly slanting the story in favor of one family or the other, and no matter how thorough our efforts to tell the story even-handedly, somebody was always assuming we had to be on one 'side' or the other. Obviously, we were not -- our mission is to follow each story as fairly and clearly as possible. And of course, in this case, as in all others, its the jury that decides.

Were truth and justice served in Nona's case? If you were to ask around in Russellville, Arkansas, the answer you'd likely hear as often as not is... no. Perhaps, after a review of the facts, you'll come to your own conclusion.

And just possibly, before too very long, Nona's mother Carol will finally have her answer. Along with some final justice for Nona Dirksmeyer.

'Death and the Beauty Queen' airs Dateline Friday, 10 p.m.

http://insidedateline.msnbc.msn.com/...02/970919.aspx

[Amy]

Thanks for the blurb. I missed the other show about this, can't remember, 60 minutes or something? From the poster reviews of that show, I sure hope this isn't a repeat, but more thorough. (Or, heck, was the previous show this Dateline one?)

Anyway, will make my best effort to watch this one.

[FDInLaw]

Originally Posted by Amy

Thanks for the blurb. I missed the other show about this, can't remember, 60 minutes or something? From the poster reviews of that show, I sure hope this isn't a repeat, but more thorough. (Or, heck, was the previous show this Dateline one?)

Anyway, will make my best effort to watch this one.

Hi Amy! Here's a link with the content of the 48 Hours show that was done:

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/...e=search_story

[lorettalockhorn]

Originally Posted by FDInLaw

http://insidedateline.msnbc.msn.com/...02/970919.aspx

>>And this was a boy she had long since begun to treat as a future son-in-law!

Gee, an exclamation mark in a straight news story. Sensationalize much?

meh

[Amy]

Finally!!! There was a dateline (I tho't) on an hour ago, with something about a starsearch kind of thing. So, I waited for the half hour, and it was still on!!!!

Just turned it again, and it's on now!!!!

[chambord]

Hi FDLaw. Just wanted you to know, I'm watching along with you all.

[lorettalockhorn]

Well.

So many inconsistencies by KJ were left unanswered. It's difficult to assess if NBC doesn't know the case, or simply intended to let them stand.

One thing that stood out, was that Michael Robbins stated that the polygrapher isn't certified. I had never heard that before. Also the comment that the juror made that he wondered if RPD investigated other suspects as well as they completed the investigation in the apartment made sense. Heckuva lot more sense than feeling sorry for Kevin. But I can see how that videotape backfired for The State.

Interesting that Phillips stated outright that he believes Grandmother lied on the stand. And interesting that Robbins stated that he believes that DD erased the information on Nona's phone purposely.

(I would have gladly gone to TX and personally kicked Gemase's arse up between his shoulder blades if it would have shortened that first segment!!)

[Amy]

I posted my disgust w/the show on the other thread. Definately proJones, IMO. How did it compare to the other one? I mentioned 60 minutes, but someone else said it was 48 hours? (Couldn't have been on 60 minutes, as they cover half a dozen things.) Anyway, is it pretty much the same?

[The R]

Unfortunately, I only saw the latter half of the Dateline show. Did the show address why Nona was found nude? Is there a logical explanation for this like having just been in the shower? (just wondering if a serial type killer was considered) Anyone know why LE only processed the area around the body for prints/DNA as the show stated?

Thanks!
R

[FDInLaw]

Hey All!

I have yet to see the Dateline program. . . had something else going on last night. I did watch the video clips on the Dateline site. First response. . . just grateful that Nona is getting more coverage. It's sobering to hang out on this site, so many families do not even know where there loved one is (Tara, Middy, Roxanne. . . ). Another thing, Dateline seemed to do a better job of getting more interviews and offering more perspectives. One thing that was aggravating about the 48 Hours show was how the "Beauty Queen" theme was pushed. I don't know if it was in the show or not, but I really thought M. Huckabay's comments about Nona being so much more were spot on. From what Hubby has said, the 48 Hour show pales in comparison. Anyone care to give me a quick overview??? After Hubby's comments I was sad to have missed it, but I could not get out of the engagement I had.

As we continue to discuss this case, please keep the present investigation in your prayers. We have been given a gift, often cases don't get a second going over. Let's pray that the truth will be revealed for certain.

JUSTICE 4 NONA!

[FDInLaw]

YIKES! There's a lot of lurkers!

[The R]

Originally Posted by FDInLaw

Hey All!

I have yet to see the Dateline program. . . had something else going on last night. I did watch the video clips on the Dateline site. First response. . . just grateful that Nona is getting more coverage. It's sobering to hang out on this site, so many families do not even know where there loved one is (Tara, Middy, Roxanne. . . ). Another thing, Dateline seemed to do a better job of getting more interviews and offering more perspectives. One thing that was aggravating about the 48 Hours show was how the "Beauty Queen" theme was pushed. I don't know if it was in the show or not, but I really thought M. Huckabay's comments about Nona being so much more were spot on. From what Hubby has said, the 48 Hour show pales in comparison. Anyone care to give me a quick overview??? After Hubby's comments I was sad to have missed it, but I could not get out of the engagement I had.

As we continue to discuss this case, please keep the present investigation in your prayers. We have been given a gift, often cases don't get a second going over. Let's pray that the truth will be revealed for certain.

JUSTICE 4 NONA!

Sorry!

I can't give a review since I only saw the latter part. But one observation I have after watching it and the clips you refer to on the website is that I'm having trouble with the comments that KJ is sociopathic? Guess I need to do more reading but based on his reactions I'm having a hard time deciphering that aspect.

But I do agree. Justice need to be done for Nona and her family needs closure.

ITA on prayers for truth.

ALLMO,
R

[LurkerNoMore]

Dateline blew away 48 Hours as far as production - 48 was a mess in comparison.

These are my thoughts. - and I am biased - I don't think - nor did I ever think - that Kevin murdered Nona.

The Diperts just don't come across well on camera - and I don't mean that as an insult at all - it is just my interpretation and people watch it and look at Carol's facial expressions, which at times seems to be a slight smile - and DD's attitude. I don't believe Carol is sitting there smiling - I believe she may smile when she remembers something about Nona - but I think that's just her facial expression and for a mother to have lost a child - just being able to make it through the day is a feat worthy of praise - so I don't think any analysis of Carol's behavior or expressions is just or fair. DD is just DD - and unfortuately for him - his comments give producers in the entertainment business a lot to work with as far as making him look shady - and let's remember - Dateline is in the business of entertainment. They wanted DD to be considered a possibility.

I will say that the things that were mentioned surrounding DD were or should have been legitimate concerns to the defense at some point and should have forced them to consider him a suspect. But I will also say - as I have said recently - that I don't know anyone who still considers DD a suspect. A little strange - yes - a murderer - no.

On Robbins' comment about DD purposely deleting the phone info - I would like to know if Dateline edited out further comment. Of course DD purposefully deleted the phone info - he wanted to put his info into the phone. Does that mean he purposefully deleted it to hide or destroy evidence? Of course not. Dateline's editing may have left the audience to believe otherwise.

The vast, vast majority of those who saw the show came away pro-Jones and thinking DD did it from what I am reading and hearing - not counting those who followed the trial and are posters here.

But I think Dateline could have built suspicion and a compelling story out of any of the many suspects or potential suspects to make the audience think that the other person killed Nona, and they could have done the same to Kevin if they wanted to. And the thing is - that's how the investigation went. You could literally build a case against any number of people and make it work at one point or another throughout the build up to the trial. The sad thing is that the police work made this piecing-together-to-point-at-someone an option. Their failure to examine and collect evidence left open the door for many. It wasn't DD's fault he got the phone back - it was the investigators. DD isn't a lawyer or an investigator - he is a grieving stepfather, no matter whether you think he is weird or not.

Bottom line to me - as a pro-Kevin person - I thought the show was good toward Kevin and his family and horrible toward DD and Carol. Notice no one was asked - do you think DD did it? Or if they were, this was not shown - because the answer would have been no.

Do I think Kevin did it? No.
Do I think DD did it? No.

But someone did. And I pray that the truth comes out very soon.

[FDInLaw]

Lurker. . . you are part of why this is the best place on the Internet to follow Nona's case. . .thank you for sharing your thoughts.

Hugs ~ FD

[lorettalockhorn]

It's a shame that the many people who have been made aware of Nona's murder are not aware of the entire case. Many are basing their judgment that Kevin didn't kill her and that Duane or Carol or whoever did it, on inconsistencies that could have and should have been addressed.

I pray that the new investigation will lead to something--anything to bring justice for Nona. But if Kevin is the killer, that will never happen. He will continue his life of debauchery with the enabling of sycophants and fools.

[FDInLaw]

Originally Posted by The R

Sorry!

I can't give a review since I only saw the latter part. But one observation I have after watching it and the clips you refer to on the website is that I'm having trouble with the comments that KJ is sociopathic? Guess I need to do more reading but based on his reactions I'm having a hard time deciphering that aspect.

But I do agree. Justice need to be done for Nona and her family needs closure.

ITA on prayers for truth.

ALLMO,
R

Did some reading and in one place Carol states that LE first used this term. . . did I read that right? Lunch here. . . I'll go back and find it after bit. Good to see you posting here!

[lorettalockhorn]

Think it was Morrison who first noted that KJ had been labeled sociopathic with a narcissistic personality. Could this have been from the FBI guy who didn't testify? Still scratching my head over that; the jury never saw what an accomplished liar Kevin is.

[FDInLaw]

Carol Dirksmeyer: And I guess he just let his rage get away with him and he couldn’t control himself and it’s still hard to understand something like that..

Even through her shock about that news, she remembers what they told her about the boy who would have been her son-in-law.

Carol Dirksmeyer: The first thing that I was told was that he was a sociopath with a narcissistic personality.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24433365/page/3/


Still reading. . . was "sociopath" mentioned anywhere else? In the Dateline videos I thought Kevin came off better than in the 48 Hours show.

[The R]

Thanks for looking into that sociopath thing. Also like to ask if anyone knows if the prints on the base of the lamp were in blood? Or were they just like any other latent print? The defense points these out as if they are exculpatory but if they are not involved with the blood, they may have been left there by someone moving the lamp or just simply putting the lamp together.


ALLMO,
R

[hawgustusgloop]

If I recall correctly, the first time I ever saw the word "sociopath" associated with this case was when someone claiming to be Kevin posted some stuff on a pageant board right after the murder. Another poster (possibly Duane Dipert?) responded and basically accused Kevin of being a sociopath and showing no remorse.

[ifIwereU]

Originally Posted by The R

Thanks for looking into that sociopath thing. Also like to ask if anyone knows if the prints on the base of the lamp were in blood? Or were they just like any other latent print? The defense points these out as if they are exculpatory but if they are not involved with the blood, they may have been left there by someone moving the lamp or just simply putting the lamp together.


ALLMO,
R

addressing the fingerprints found on the base of the lamp...the State crime lab indicated they were not of comparison quality....but Chief Bacon of the RPD said they were.....I tend to think the Crime Lab would be more crediable. If memory serves me right, they were not in blood....and could have been Nona's; however Nona's prints were never taken...so they could not compare them to hers....

[ifIwereU]

my thoughts on the Dateline special:

they seemed to really hammer the RPD more so than 48 hours...they highlighted the inexperience of the ALL investigators, including the ASP polygraph examiner....if RPD's investigation focused on Kevin soley on the fact that KJ failed the polygraph that was a huge error IMO....my limited knowledge of polygraphs....also makes me wonder about Jones being a sociopath....most pschyopaths and sociaopaths can pass a polygraph...so why didn't jones? based on how the courier covered the case, the RPD put alot of emphasis on the how there was only one person that failed a polygraph....and that was there man.....I think RPD should have stuck to good fashioned police work and shouldn't have relied on the polygraph to solve the case. there is a reason they aren't admissible in court...they are too subjective......
it was interesting to hear the jurors opinions on what they expected to hear at the trial....they expected to hear how hard the police worked to catch a killer....but the only thing they actually heard was "a rush to judgement."

was it? remember most of the investigators at the RPD had never been involved with a homicide investigation. I would imagine there was a lot of pressure to not only solve it but to solve it quickly...

I don't fault the RPD for being inexperienced, I fault them because they didn't ask for guidance....

[SaraSidle]

FDI I did not know anything about the case and so I watched with a clear mind and can honestly say that from what Dateline showed neither KJ or DD has enough evidence against the for guilt. Maybe they left out a lot of details I do not know about though. Did bash BPD IMO.

[bxrjen]

Hi,
This is a strange (off topic) question, but I have to ask...does anyone know the song that Nona was singing in the pagent clips they showed on Dateline? She had a beautiful voice and I've heard that song before but can't think of it.
Thank you,
Jen

[lorettalockhorn]

Time to Say Goodbye (con te partiro).

[SaraSidle]

Originally Posted by lorettalockhorn

Time to Say Goodbye (con te partiro).

Oh loretta how bizarre

[lorettalockhorn]

Ironic? At any rate, it's chilling to hear in her own beautiful voice in the context of her murder.

[bxrjen]

Originally Posted by lorettalockhorn

Time to Say Goodbye (con te partiro).

Thank you!!

[SaraSidle]

Originally Posted by lorettalockhorn

Ironic? At any rate, it's chilling to hear in her own beautiful voice in the context of her murder.

ok ironic. I totally agree with you.

[lorettalockhorn]

hehehe I just tried to send you a short little message, but I botched it. Was just trying to say that I'm never quite sure how to use the word irony/ironic.

[Amy]

Originally Posted by ifIwereU

addressing the fingerprints found on the base of the lamp...the State crime lab indicated they were not of comparison quality....but Chief Bacon of the RPD said they were.....I tend to think the Crime Lab would be more crediable. If memory serves me right, they were not in blood....and could have been Nona's; however Nona's prints were never taken...so they could not compare them to hers....

One of the defense lawyers intimated that the prints HAD been identified and that they were not KJ's. I had always tho't they had not been identified.

The juror's comments were basically that they tho't the whole house should have been fingerprinted and examined more closely. A mention was made of LE looking for a flushed condom, but they didn't take prints off the flush lever, which might have identified someone (had they flushed the toilet.) They also mentioned they could have used information about prints on the perp's "exit" which one said was the sliding door.

It still did come out about KJ being worried about Nona not answering texts, but did not point out that he should have known the girl was supposed to be taking an exam that afternoon, and would surely have had her phone off for that time. AND, did not mention about the fact that she had dinner plans, so why in the world would he have expected her to be @ her house that evening? He says they knew everything each other was doing, had planned, they texted that often. So, WHY did he think she should be home? And, WHY was this type of information not pointed to in the show?

[FDInLaw]

Originally Posted by bxrjen

Hi,
This is a strange (off topic) question, but I have to ask...does anyone know the song that Nona was singing in the pagent clips they showed on Dateline? She had a beautiful voice and I've heard that song before but can't think of it.
Thank you,
Jen

It is a beautiful song!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_0FsKiS8rg

Welcome to the board Jen!

[SaraSidle]

Originally Posted by lorettalockhorn

hehehe I just tried to send you a short little message, but I botched it. Was just trying to say that I'm never quite sure how to use the word irony/ironic.

I think you did fine. Ironic was probably better than bizarre anyways.

[SaraSidle]

Originally Posted by FDInLaw

It is a beautiful song!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_0FsKiS8rg

Welcome to the board Jen!

Yes welcome to the board Jen

[katytigers]

The dateline story was the first i heard of this and it seemed strange to me that the stepdad would want the phone?Its not like it was a I phone it was one of the free ones you get for getting a new plan.I just didnt buy the frugal thing.I also now understand why the state police are involved now the city police looked like barney fife .Im sure there was alot more evidence than dateline told us but based ont he story only I couldnt come close to convicting him.Also someone mentioned that the grandma didnt get brought up for a long time but on the police video he says go ask my grandmother.