FL JOLEEN CUMMINGS: Missing from Nassau County, FL - 12 May 2018 - Age 34 *Kimberly Kessler GUILTY of murder*

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Name: CUMMINGS, JOLEEN REBECCA
Nicknames:
Aliases:
Missing Person Circumstances:
Reporting Agency: NASSAU CO SO
Agency Case #: 201800042642
Date of Last Contact: 05/12/2018
Date of Birth: 05/13/1984
Race: WHITE
Sex: FEMALE
Height: 5' 02"
Weight: 150
Hair Color: BLOND OR STRAWBERRY
Eye Color: BLUE
Scars, Marks, Tattoos:
Occupation:
Last Known Address City and State: HILLIARD FL

A Nassau County grand jury indicted 44-year-old Kimberly Kessler September 7. Her co-worker, Joleen Cummings, was 34 when she was reported missing on May 14. Cummings body has never been found and she is presumed dead.

Kessler, who worked with Cummings at Tangles Hair Salon in Yulee and was allegedly the last person to see her alive, has been in custody since June for grand theft auto for allegedly stealing Cummings’ car. She pleaded not guilty on June 7 to that charge. Kessler’s public defender in that case did not return PEOPLE’s call for comment.

Authorities have said Kessler has had 18 aliases and has lived in 33 cities and 14 states since 1996, but police have not announced a definitive motive.


edited by staff to add media link
 
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Accused killer Kimberly Kessler seeks to suppress 'reddish brown stains' found on boots​

Attorneys for a woman accused of killing a Nassau County hairstylist in May 2018 have filed two new motions to suppress evidence in the case.

The motions target items taken from Kimberly Kessler’s storage facility in Fernandina Beach, and include laundry, police photographs of the unit and 5 swabs of “reddish brown stain” found on a pair of boots.

According to the new motions, the search of Kessler’s storage facility on Sadler Road in Fernandina Beach was conducted using a search warrant based on information obtained through prior warrantless searches and Kessler’s illegal detention.
so these items must mean something or why want them thrown out?
 
It's like they just keep giving themselves away with the stuff they want thrown out so prosecutors know what to keep pursuing.
It does give them away but in theory, if thrown out, a jury will never hear of the stains, etc. If not thrown out, they are setting up a record for appeal. Sickening.
 
It does give them away but in theory, if thrown out, a jury will never hear of the stains, etc. If not thrown out, they are setting up a record for appeal. Sickening.
What gets me is that spots on a table were allowed in during the McStay murder trial. They were just pictures from the crime scene and brought in late in the game. No table to examine, nothing! I still wonder if there will be a mistrial in that case down the road from that evidence alone.
 
What gets me is that spots on a table were allowed in during the McStay murder trial. They were just pictures from the crime scene and brought in late in the game. No table to examine, nothing! I still wonder if there will be a mistrial in that case down the road from that evidence alone.
From one state and county to the next, it sure baffles. I suspect in some cases, the judge for instance is just pleasing the public especially in a high profile case with people wanting conviction and perhaps he figures he will be long gone and off the bench by the time appeals wind their way through but maybe get re-elected a few or more terms in the meantime. I know that sounds cynical but they are just people and some are better judges and in it for the right reasons (hopefully) than others.

Decades ago, it was a constant thing to hear that the only attorneys that try to get elected judges are p*ss poor ones who can't make a living in their own practice. OR they want it on their resume and want the power and the bribes... I mean in many areas a judge was lucky if they made $50,000 a year not that many years ago. Now think about the billing rate of most attorneys and particularly the sharks who just sue for a percentage.

I realize I am wandering/sidetracking a bit but yeah, it certainly does vary and it seems to have no logic. In our case, no pictures could be used of the baby in life, smiling, etc. What is it ABOUT if not the victim? Should a jury not realize and see what was taken? I am still unsure if that is a rule or law or a decision by the prosecutor maybe for reasons of appeal or something? I have not a bad thing to say about him, he was great! But it still angers me the jury could not see her in real life to speak of. Of course autopsy photos were fine.

Apologies for the every direction post. I just think our legal system, as we know as we have always been taught purported to be the best in the world and it does beat stoning and such things, is deteriorating. Years for victim's families waiting for trials and more. AND politics playing into justice for average citizens. Arghh!
 
From one state and county to the next, it sure baffles. I suspect in some cases, the judge for instance is just pleasing the public especially in a high profile case with people wanting conviction and perhaps he figures he will be long gone and off the bench by the time appeals wind their way through but maybe get re-elected a few or more terms in the meantime. I know that sounds cynical but they are just people and some are better judges and in it for the right reasons (hopefully) than others.

Decades ago, it was a constant thing to hear that the only attorneys that try to get elected judges are p*ss poor ones who can't make a living in their own practice. OR they want it on their resume and want the power and the bribes... I mean in many areas a judge was lucky if they made $50,000 a year not that many years ago. Now think about the billing rate of most attorneys and particularly the sharks who just sue for a percentage.

I realize I am wandering/sidetracking a bit but yeah, it certainly does vary and it seems to have no logic. In our case, no pictures could be used of the baby in life, smiling, etc. What is it ABOUT if not the victim? Should a jury not realize and see what was taken? I am still unsure if that is a rule or law or a decision by the prosecutor maybe for reasons of appeal or something? I have not a bad thing to say about him, he was great! But it still angers me the jury could not see her in real life to speak of. Of course autopsy photos were fine.

Apologies for the every direction post. I just think our legal system, as we know as we have always been taught purported to be the best in the world and it does beat stoning and such things, is deteriorating. Years for victim's families waiting for trials and more. AND politics playing into justice for average citizens. Arghh!
At the risk of derailing the thread, I totally agree with you! The victims used to be able to have a voice!
 
At the risk of derailing the thread, I totally agree with you! The victims used to be able to have a voice!
Yep. It all sounds good compared to years ago. At a certain point long ago, it was touted that there now were victim advocates and victim's rights and that is true, such does exist, yet the very process and system and length of time/appeals, etc. is all in the favor of the defendant and it just gets worse and worse. Imo.

So I don't derail the thread, yes, this attempt to throw out this evidence in this case I am sure has probably a dual purpose. If agreed to, it is out and a jury never hears it, if not agreed to and allowed, it is a record for appeal.
 

Kimberly Kessler pepper-sprayed, tasered in latest outburst at Nassau jail​

Kimberly Lee Kessler continues to cause havoc while awaiting her murder trial in Nassau County, now charged with battery on law enforcement officers after stripping down and smearing feces on herself and the cell walls and flinging it at guards, according to Times-Union news partner First Coast News.


On Monday, an officer told her to stand up and move to another cell so that hers could be sanitized, according to a report by the Nassau County Sheriff's Office. She removed her clothes and told the officers, "OK, we can do this today." One of the officers took his pepper spray out and warned her to comply.

Then she began smearing feces that was in Styrofoam containers on herself and the walls, according to the report. The officer gave her two more warnings, but Kessler did not comply. The officer then sprayed at Kessler's face.

She began to throw feces at the officer and another standing nearby, according to the report. The officer again administered the pepper spray, but it didn't stop Kessler from throwing more feces.

One of the officers attempted to use a Taser on Kessler, but only one probe stuck to her, according to the report. The officer tried a second time and was successful in debilitating Kessler to allow the officers to move her to another cell.
 

Kimberly Kessler pepper-sprayed, tasered in latest outburst at Nassau jail​

Kimberly Lee Kessler continues to cause havoc while awaiting her murder trial in Nassau County, now charged with battery on law enforcement officers after stripping down and smearing feces on herself and the cell walls and flinging it at guards, according to Times-Union news partner First Coast News.


On Monday, an officer told her to stand up and move to another cell so that hers could be sanitized, according to a report by the Nassau County Sheriff's Office. She removed her clothes and told the officers, "OK, we can do this today." One of the officers took his pepper spray out and warned her to comply.

Then she began smearing feces that was in Styrofoam containers on herself and the walls, according to the report. The officer gave her two more warnings, but Kessler did not comply. The officer then sprayed at Kessler's face.

She began to throw feces at the officer and another standing nearby, according to the report. The officer again administered the pepper spray, but it didn't stop Kessler from throwing more feces.

One of the officers attempted to use a Taser on Kessler, but only one probe stuck to her, according to the report. The officer tried a second time and was successful in debilitating Kessler to allow the officers to move her to another cell.
This might sound dumb but who is in charge here? The prisoner? And is not her cell checked daily etc.? I mean how much could she have for recent feces? And believe me when I say I do not want to get into a conversation about feces or other potty talk. Styrofoam containers, how many are they allowed to keep and are they not checked in case of moldy food, possible fungus, bugs, contraband, etc.? Smh.
 
This might sound dumb but who is in charge here? The prisoner? And is not her cell checked daily etc.? I mean how much could she have for recent feces? And believe me when I say I do not want to get into a conversation about feces or other potty talk. Styrofoam containers, how many are they allowed to keep and are they not checked in case of moldy food, possible fungus, bugs, contraband, etc.? Smh.
could be why they needed to sanitize it in the first place?

she seems like a joy to have to oversee.
 
could be why they needed to sanitize it in the first place?

she seems like a joy to have to oversee.
True but it also sounds like a fiasco. First pepper spray has no effect, then a taser, only one probe stuck. Somehow she was allowed to collect her feces. I mean I get part may be media, I get we are in a day and age that officers or guards perhaps have to be careful in how they treat prisoners and I am sure there is also abuse BUT she sounds like someone who should be more closely monitored as should her cell. Smh. I don't know.
 

'Enough is enough': Mother of Joleen Cummings expresses frustration over delay in judicial process on eve of anniversary since daughter's death​

The mother of a Nassau County woman who disappeared over Mother's Day weekend in 2018 and whose body has never been found is lamenting the "overwhelming" delays in the judicial process and what she calls justice for her daughter.

The hearings over Kessler's mental competency coupled with delays in court proceedings due to the COVID-19 pandemic have prolonged the beginning of Kessler's trial, which is now set to begin Aug. 18.

Cummings' mother, Anne Johnson, has been vocal in the past over her the grief, anger and desire for answers she experiences after the loss of her daughter. As the more recent court delays have continued, Johnson has kept quiet. Now, one day before the three-year anniversary of Joleen's disappearance, she is again expressing her frustrations.

Johnson sent the following statement to First Coast News:

"The last contact I had with my daughter Joleen was in the early afternoon of May 12, 2018 while she was at work. For some (unknown) reason I asked Joleen about the 'Angel' figure placed on her work station. I told her that I placed it there on a Thursday when she was off work. She said that no one had told her. I assumed she knew it was from me, because it said 'Daughter.' This was to be our last conversation. I knew that the children and myself would see her the next day, May 13, 2018 it was her Birthday and Mother's day. (Joleen was born on Mother's day) This day never came.

What has happened in the past three years? Delays over competency. Here we go again. Enough is enough. The judicial process is confusing, frustrating and overwhelming. It's now three years that Joleen was murdered and her remains not found. The month of May is a very difficult time for our family. We have no closure. Joleen's children are without a mother and their world has been turned upside down. Nothing in life prepares survivors for the reality that someone you love has died a violent death. As survivors, we are grieving not only the death, but how Joleen died. A life has been cut short through an act of cruelty. The disregard for human life adds overwhelming feelings of turmoil, distrust, injustice and helplessness to normal sense of loss and sorrow. The world no longer feels as safe as it once did.

When your child is murdered, grief is only the beginning. What a true statement. Not only for my family but especially for Joleen's three children. The hardest part of grieving is waiting for justice. Waiting for Joleen's remains to be found.

The children are surrounded by Joleen's pictures. While I know Joleen's soul is in heaven, I feel her spirit is here, watching over her children. Sometimes, I hear her say, 'Mom do this or do that.' 'Kiss and hug the kids for me.' It brings a smile to my face and tears to my eyes.

I want to leave you with one last note…

When we face times of delay we can become frustrated, discouraged, and even angry. All of this combined together can become a breeding ground for the enemy to tempt you to quit and give up.

Jesus said in Luke 18:1 That men ought to always pray and not faint.

'We will not give up' Pray without ceasing for Joleen's remains to be found. Pray without ceasing for Justice to be served for Joleen's children."

Another hearing is set for May 27 for a check on Kessler's progress following her refusal to appear at the mental competency evaluation hearing last week.
 

'Enough is enough': Mother of Joleen Cummings expresses frustration over delay in judicial process on eve of anniversary since daughter's death​

The mother of a Nassau County woman who disappeared over Mother's Day weekend in 2018 and whose body has never been found is lamenting the "overwhelming" delays in the judicial process and what she calls justice for her daughter.

The hearings over Kessler's mental competency coupled with delays in court proceedings due to the COVID-19 pandemic have prolonged the beginning of Kessler's trial, which is now set to begin Aug. 18.

Cummings' mother, Anne Johnson, has been vocal in the past over her the grief, anger and desire for answers she experiences after the loss of her daughter. As the more recent court delays have continued, Johnson has kept quiet. Now, one day before the three-year anniversary of Joleen's disappearance, she is again expressing her frustrations.

Johnson sent the following statement to First Coast News:



Another hearing is set for May 27 for a check on Kessler's progress following her refusal to appear at the mental competency evaluation hearing last week.
The extremely unfair balance of rights of defendants over victims needs to stop. And any excuse for Covid needs to stop as far as delays in the legal process, it is past time that if it is what it takes, then adaptations need to take place to move the process along instead of using it as another excuse for delays. Let's be honest, delays were already ridiculous far before Covid.

"Her refusal to appear at the mental competency evaluation hearing"... Gee... Is that also a defendant's "right"?
 

Kimberly Kessler’s competency still in question, judge sets hearing for June​

Is Kimberly Kessler competent to stand trial?

The question has been a matter of debate since Kessler was arrested in the death of her 34-year-old co-worker Joleen Cummings.

Prosecutors are ready to move forward with a criminal trial but on Thursday a Nassau County judge said the question surrounding competency must be resolved once and for all if the case is to move forward.

Kessler has been evaluated by multiple psychologists since being arrested.

The next hearing in Kessler’s competency saga has been scheduled for June 30 at 9 a.m.
 

Murder of Joleen Cummings: Suspect Kimberly Kessler has been ruled competent to stand trial​

Kimberly Kessler, the woman facing a murder charge in the death of Nassau County mother Joleen Cummings, was once again ruled competent to stand trial on Wednesday.

Kessler appeared in court Wednesday for yet another competency hearing to determine if she is mentally fit to stand trial. The judge said Kessler is showing the same pattern of behavior and the trial is expected to begin in August.

Kessler’s lawyers mentioned a possible motion for a change in venue for the trial.


On Wednesday morning, Kessler appeared briefly in court.

She was brought into the latest competency hearing strapped to a wheelchair and repeatedly yelled, “Jordan Beard is Joleen Cummings’ cousin.” She was then kicked out to a holding cell where she appeared via Zoom.

Bailiffs tried to bring Kessler back into court on Wednesday afternoon, but she began screaming again and the judge said to “take her back downstairs.”

An attorney went to speak to her and said she just kept yelling.

Testimony continued and Dr. Louis Legum, a psychologist, said he believes Kessler has multiple disorders like delusional disorder and personality disorder.

Legum said people with delusional disorder can carry on with a job, live on their own, but a switch can flip, causing them to become unhinged and separated from reality.
 

Judge denies accused killer Kimberly Kessler's motion to suppress evidence​

A judge has denied accused killer Kimberly Kessler's efforts to suppress evidence against her thrown out of her upcoming murder trial.

In an order filed Oct. 8, the court lists the reasons for denying nine of the defense's motions to suppress evidence.

That includes statements Kessler made to Nassau County detectives at a St. Johns County rest stop before she was arrested, namely that scratches on her body were caused by running into a tree on a bicycle, that she was not close to Cummings and that she had never been in Cummings' vehicle.

Kessler's defense team said she was in custody at the time she made those statements and had not been read her Miranda rights. The judge found Miranda warnings are only required when an individual is undergoing custodial interrogation, and Kessler's claim that she was "in custody" when she made those statements is "without support."


Kessler's next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 28.
 

Attorneys want to know what weapon was used to kill Joleen Cummings​

It’s been more than three years since Joleen Cummings, a Nassau County mother, was last seen. And although she’s presumed dead, her remains still haven’t been located.

Her former coworker, Kimberly Kessler, is charged with first-degree murder. Previous court documents have stated that investigators believe Cummings, 34, may have been killed inside the Tangles Hair Salon in Yulee, where they both worked.


Now, a motion has been filed, requesting a “more definite statement of particulars.”

The motion, filed on behalf of the public defender’s office Monday, is asking the court for a more definite written statement of particulars, specifying what weapon was used in the murder.

The court motion notes that Kessler has been indicted on a first-degree murder charge, but adds that the indictment fails to specify with what weapon the defendant committed the alleged homicide.

“Without the specific identification of a weapon used in the purported homicide, Defendant (Kessler) cannot adequately prepare for the defense of these charges,” the motion reads.

Attorney Gene Nichols, not associated with the case, says attorneys could be trying to build their defense -- especially if a judge grants the motion and the state is unable to say what weapon was used.

“The defense will then use that as part of whatever defense they will put forth, that there is not enough evidence to convict because we don’t even know if and what type of weapon was used in this case,” Nichols explained.

Nichols added that the state is not obligated to reveal every detail in its case before the trial.

“The government is going to put on every bit of evidence that they possibly have an in a case like this,” Nichols said. “They will put forth in front of a jury everything that they know that could be relevant in this case to establish the guilt of the defendant.”
 

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