Megan Sharpton Murder Suspect Declares Himself Just That: Family And Alleged Accomplice Terrified Of Donnie Jones
The prime suspect in the brutal rape, mutilation and murder of nursing student “Megan” Sharpton is outing himself.
In a police report filed Friday evening September 7, 2012 with the Tullahoma Police Department, a man named Donnie Frank Jones identified HIMSELF as the suspect in the murder of Megan Sharpton. Jones acted out in an intimidating and threatening manner against a female associate to the Sharpton family as well as the local police.
The woman’s identity is being withheld by BOC.
Jones told police he wanted the woman arrested for theft.
Jones, who allegedly extinguished a cigarette butt collected by the woman shortly thereafter, told police he was fearful the butt might be used as evidence to frame him in Megan Sharpton’s murder.
It was clear at that point in the exchange that Donnie Jones approached this woman to send a message to the Sharpton family. He knows that they ‘know’ if you will.
A subsequent incident occurred at a member of the Sharpton family’s home on September 11th when a real estate sign posted in the front yard was peppered with bullets. A police report has been filed with Coffee County who then requested Megan’s family NOT file a protection from abuse order. Family members were told it is “just a piece of paper.”
Donnie Frank Jones, a convicted felon, has been told he is a suspect in the sexual assault and aggravated murder of Meg Sharpton. Megan or “Meg” as she preferred, was a nursing student who had been commuting daily with another student until she graduated last year.
As reported exclusively on Blink On Crime , Jones was identified as a suspect in Sharpton’s murder due to a match of his DNA in CODIS. CODIS is the combined DNA Index system that maintains criminal database DNA submissions and the software that supports it.
Jones had previously submitted a DNA sample related to an aggravated assault and burglary conviction. This resulted in parole violation in 2011.
Meg Sharpton was found partially nude and burning from the waist down. She had been beaten, raped, and set aflame hours later at the base of Awalt Road bridge. Additional details about Meg Sharpton’s autopsy report continue to be withheld for investigative reasons.
Detectives believe Megan was deceased when she was dumped at the pull-off before the bridge in the Tim’s Ford Lakes area on July 4th weekend. A passing motorist, who called from a nearby church, saw what they initially believed to have been a grass fire. Upon further inspection according to the witness, the responder believed he saw the body of a deceased person, probably a female.
Although police have stated the 911 caller did so anonymously, it has since been learned the call came from inside the Church. ( Editors Note: Since the publication of this article, a tip was received by BOC that the call came from the parking lot of the church.) BOC was able to confirm the time of the call at 1:18AM, and that tire tracks which remained at the scene following Megan’s discovery were molded by the TBI evidence processing unit.
The 911 call is the subject of a recent FOIA request by this editor.
On the night of the murder, Megan thought she was going on a job interview. Following a helpful tip from colleague – Naomi Jones LPN, Megan was offered an opportunity to interview for a position caring for an elderly woman.
She was to show up for this brief interview and then work her shift until about midnight. According to both family and her boyfriend due to the short notice of the interview, she was told she would receive a cash payment that very evening.
Naomi Jones is Meg Sharpton’s prior college commuter pal and the wife of Donnie Jones.
Naomi was also previously assigned as Donnie Jones’ correctional guard.
Megan’s mother Kelly Sharpton recalls that during their last phone conversation Meg shared that despite not knowing whose mother she would be caring for and having to interview in the evening- she was not overly concerned based on her friendship with Ms. Jones.
ACCESSORY AS A BAD THING
Blink On Crime has learned there is at least one other person making public statements about this case. This man is pointing fingers directly at Jones- and far away from himself.
Timothy Daniel Gifford is the resident of the trailer searched in conjunction with Meg’s case on August 14, 2012.
He is believed to be a suspect as an accessory according to a source inside the investigation speaking to BOC on the condition of anonymity. The source went on to say that Gifford has told investigators Jones confessed the crime to him and has provided details in the investigation.
Gifford was arrested and booked into Bedford County Prison yesterday, but was bonded out shortly thereafter for an unspecified parole violation.
Kelly Sharpton, mother of Megan Sharpton has been appearing almost daily in the media pleading for the District Attorney J. Michael Taylor to proceed with an indictment of these men, or allow Franklin County to arrest them without one in the interest of public safety. General Taylor is believed to have the authority to override any arrest warrant not issued by his office.
Ms. Sharpton was unable to provide any details to BOC about the suspects in this case outside of what she has already said publicly during interviews. Detectives have asked her not to reveal any specifics about the case and she is honoring that request.
Check Back to www.blinkoncrime.com for this developing story.
Contributing Editor: Jacqueline Beaufort
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BOC created this for and about Meg, for those concerned citizens in the area who are at risk while murders are walking among them, to know what is going on with this case. To encourage people across the country to write the DA and question his lack of urgency in this case, to encourage those who know anything about these men to talk to the authorities. To hopefully bring national attention to this case, the reality is that it is going on 3 months and people need answers especially her mother, brothers and sisters.
Those of you who are friends DJ or TG most likely have no clue as to what they are capable of. The fact of the matter of fact most do not know what another is capable of so unless you know exactly where they were on the night of July 1, 2012 it would be hard to say they are innocent.
Unless you have walked in Kelly’s shoes not just to lose a child to crime but such a violate obliviously pre meditated crime none of use can even begin to imagine her pain, lets not use BOC to make her pain greater. The fact is that a trial will happen and ALL the truth will come to light……. so those friends of DJ and TG either you are right or you will be very aware of the evil in your friend.
Meg deserves peace, she deserves for the evil people who destroyed her life to pay for their crime here on earth and in eternity. Megan is where evil doesn’t exist now and I pray her family can take some peace from that knowledge.
Rose, thx for posting the obituary for the former banker. Sad that he passed away so ‘young’ and I’m sure is very much missed by family and friends.
queenv–you sound like family and I’m sorry for your loss. In forums such as this, no matter how sensitively we try to post background material, it is possible that people feel hurt by it.
In developing a psychological profile of anyone brushing close to an investigation, biographical information and formative experiences give the profiler a general view of who the person is, albeit superficial, and what their experiences have been, as well as financial connections to property or goods that might color their involvement, if they are at all involved.
Rose, I did have to laugh at your TH for TY to Gwendolyn because some posters are asking us to ignore the spelling and grammar errors we encounter (and not to think of Southerners in any negative way)so I thought of all the gross errors I’ve made as I dash off copy here and that would be the last thing I’d do.
Scroll and roll if you don’t want to read it, right?
“I apprsciate correction,” Rose says on September 23, 2012 at 9:01 pm and I absolutely agree with that assertion!
Yes, Blink, anything done to Kelly and family in the past or future affects me personally. I feel that we as a community need to take care to protect those around us and keep them away from evil.
People all over are hurting over Megan’s murder and we need to remove the two thorns that are jammed into their flesh. That will begin the healing.
I never I said I was her mother!! You didn’t read that anywere! You also didn’t read anywere that I new your pain!! Did you…
Hi Kelly. I would think about the next time this taylor comes up for office. About helpin someone else get the job.And what do you think about gettin someone like 20/20 or 48 hours to tell about what is goin on.The more poeple know. The better.One thing is for sure it cannt hurt.This man is not doin anything now.So Why Not.Kelly i feel so sorry for you.Not knowin from day to day.Hugggssssssssss
Wow- still no arrest in this case?! This is absolutely ridiculous, and I feel terrible for the family and the citizens of this community. This is not circumstantial evidence we are talking about…I mean, a CODIS match!! I’m curious- have you ever seen a case like this Blink where the suspect is still walking around even with this much evidence?
And, on a different note, I have posted before but cannot remember my username…didn’t know if I had to use the same one
I have never seen a case with a direct DNA link and the mountain of other evidence I am aware of without an indictment or arrest, no.
Respectfully, if a first year ADA was able to try a capital case, this was go quicker.
B
Everything Wordgirl says x a million is my thoughts exactly. Most of us will and have taken anything directed at Kelly and her family very personally.
As stated before, this site isn’t a court. We can presume on the facts (yes facts) presented and found and researched here-we can presume guilt.
And thus far, its pretty damn apparent.
We are keeping Kelly close to our hearts and I will stand up for her.
I myself should have run spell check before my post….lol sometimes what I want to say and what my fingers type are not working together as they should.
@ Bob H.
I agree Bob, one person requesting they may not take as seriously, maybe Team Blink (all of us posters) making the request would have more of an impact!
What ya say team BLINK, shall we rally??? I know I will!
B
I wonder about cell phones that night and who was callin who..and what about drugs. just wonderin why this girl was killed..there has to be a reason. or was it just a rape that went bad.I am sorry but i dont believe that poeple just kill poeple for no reason.
Momma Says
:I never I said I was her mother!! You didn’t read that anywere! You also didn’t read anywere that I new your pain!! Did you…
BOC please do not allow such posts towards Kelly, The way she used exclamation points are unexcusable
TG- Sometimes to know about someone, you have to let them show you. Ms. Kelly knows this probably better than I.
B
For all those who are local or near Tullahoma who are now reading on this site. Bink is a victims advocate whose main purpose is to bring attention to a crime and to provide help for the families who have experienced the loss of a loved one to an evil act.
All of the regulars who post here are people all across the country and sometimes beyond who have an interest in helping to bring justice and closure in cases like this one.
We sometimes spend some of our efforts in looking at the overall conditions in the community and its social fabric in an effort to understand the reason for a crime and to help in healing if we are able. LE sometimes has little experience in a type of crime and we willingly share our concepts and ideas in an effort to assist.
Some are concerned about use of proper english and spelling. We are who we are and as humans we are all subject to making mistakes. Some have a lot better formal education and many more years of experience than others.
Where one lives has little bearing on good and loving behavior. Society is comprised of a very wide set of values and behaviors. It is not where you live or how much you are educated that matters. It is your behavior towards others that is important.
Listen to the wise words of my virtual Poppa
B
Momma says:
September 24, 2012 at 4:51 pm
I never I said I was her mother!! You didn’t read that anywere! You also didn’t read anywere that I new your pain!! Did you…
****
How dare you address Megan’s mother in that way. Go away you have nothing constructive to add.
I understand that everyone is entitled to their opinion. However, be disrespectful to anyone (especially toward someone such as a victims mother) is uncalled for. If you had read the post by “sjs” you would have known that no one called him out or made any type of comment even remotely directed toward him until he started acting like a 2 yr old who didn’t get his way. With the exception of a handful of people on here, yourself included, all we are asking for is to have justice served. I was raised to respect people. But you ma’am are down right hateful and rude. If you are offended by what is being posted about certain people on here, then maybe you should find another blog to read.
Blink, you have done an excellent job on keeping the people of our community informed. Thank you for all you have done.
Kelly, as always my prayers are with you & your family….KEEP SHINING <3
Thank you CP- As I have stated often, right now, as we wait for justice to take it’s course, Kelly has been very plain with me that she has one goal. To prevent this from happening to another young woman.
I am not sure that everyone gets how valiant that is in her state of loss.
It is in that spirit I offering the following account of events: Recently, Mr. Jones visited a tanning salon just prior to closing. He was in the room for some time, without turning on the bed.
It should also be noted that Mr. Jones has had previous serious skin cancer surgery so not sure about his ability to tan or not in the first place.
The young woman on staff , knowing who he was , became concerned and called the owner. The owner responded and unlocked the door to the room where Mr. Jones was sitting fully clothed.
Suffice it to say it is reasonable to assume Mr. Jones was under the impression he might run into an acquaintance or family member of Megan.
I have a concern that Mr. Jones could use such a place to evade surveillance techniques and possibly other measures like dropping off or receiving electronics LE is not aware of. I have a concern this creep is just effing with people for intimidation purposes.
I am proud to say I have never seen such a vigilant and responsive community and y’all should be very proud of that.
B
The law suite Donnie Frank Jones Jr has pending has not been mentioned it’s said to be a million dollar suite from his shoulder injury maybe the reason for the brace a prior post had mentioned
is this how he’s funding his attorney Micheal Lawson westend ave in Nashville tn
There is no lawsuit pending filed by C. Michael Lawson on behalf of Donnie Jones, Jr.
Although I hope like hell he does. Not sure how one claims they are disabled with his ability to murder a 5’9″ 124 lb. woman but his defendants would have a field day, and produce even more leads.
This hump. Seriously.
B
B
I see that emotions are running on high gear again today, prayers to Megan’s family, please know that we are here for you.
And another prayer for the DA to find a way to prosecute this case and arrest these sob’s who committed this crime TODAY.
To the trolls…..move along….there’s nothing to see here…you just don’t get it & your wasting everyone’s time…bye bye.
Lawsuit can you please fix my auto correct issues
lol, I responded.
B
It is rally time Tullahoma /Coffee county/Franklin county folks. It is.
Light up everyone’s email, FAX, and tell EVERY ONE you know with young girls/ladies about this site and show his picture.
Be aware!
Be safe. This idiot is beyond bold.
Color me confused? Just what, again, might he have been doing in the tanning room fully clothed?
Waiting for someone to drop off something electronic to him In a veil of secrecy?
I didn’t get the part about Megan’s family running into him? Is he stalking again?
Where is the LE that is following him?
I said it before, and I say it again, a vigilante is going to appear soon.
I agree with that and I pray that is not the case.
B
SJS… says:
September 22, 2012 at 9:15 pm: JUST WONDERING WHY YOU DIDENT POST MY OTHER COMMENT…WHATS THE MATTER REPORTER YOU CANT HANDLE WHEN SOMEONE TELLS YOU YHE TRUTH…
Reporter, is it just me or is SJS’s syntax identical to ‘THEEEE Big D’? It certainly wasn’t the spectacular spelling
Snarkity Snark. That is S to the nark.
Blink I was just telling you fact that it’s filed in circuit court in coffee county tn I’ll
Be happy to send you a case number on Tuesday
Please do, and I appreciate it.
B
Jack says:
September 24, 2012 at 1:39 pmStanding by her man.
B
So, she could very well be posting on here, say, under names like, AND for example, SJS or Big D?
She has not that I am aware of, no.
B
Ha Ha, a million dollar lawsuit for a shoulder injury; come one, NO shoulder is worth that… MUST be solid GOLD…. That’s the biggest laugh I’ve ever heard… Don’t know where you get your information from, but if that’s the case; maybe I need to re-enter the shoulder injury I had… Sounds like I got “cheated”…
Well respectfully, Melissa was just providing information- let’s see what she comes up with.
I can say as a fact, I have heard that he had or was filing such a suit by more than one person.
B
Hey B;
Is there any new news or developments on when an arrest could be made?
Not publishable unfortunately.
B
Copied ….
TG- Sometimes to know about someone, you have to let them show you. Ms. Kelly knows this probably better than I.
B
**
and sometimes, when people show you what they are, believe them.
* sigh…this will bring them out of the woodwork. Best to do as B is….let them show us.
And lololol @ Ragdoll… shark. S to the nark.
You are my kind of person!
I too noticed similarity in posting styles. I used to admin a forum and could tell same users from different IP addys.
But, lets let them just talk. Could be interesting.
Ragdoll…my autocorrect. SNark. Not shark.
I’m so not used to autocorrect or watching for what it says I typed. Lol
OK. Positive thoughts y’all. There will be a ending to this step soon.
I have no idea why he’d be sitting in a tanning salon with clothes on, but because of his past and knowing the girls that typically work at salons it makes me shiver. Yikes!
Omg! The girl at the tanning salon must have been scared to death!! Everyone knows what he is capable of, and there is no telling what he was planning on doin!!! I live in fear for mine and My daughters life everyday and will until these men are off the streets and behind bars!!
@ Christy…
You had me thinking I ‘sharked’ myself….LOL I’m notorious for poor editing and my puter simply does not auto correct. Whatever I lay down and submit, is considered sealed and perm.
Thanks for sharing the lol with me! xo
The arrogance that DFJ has reminds me so much of Drew Peterson.
He is worse, imo, Drew Peterson at least had a badge to hide behind for many years, this guy is just a punk.
B
Was the girl working at the tanning salon any relation to the Sharpton’s? How terrifying. Was he waiting in the room hoping that the girl would knock on the door? Who knows what he would have done. Good for her for calling for help. I wouldn’t want to work alone at night in that town right now, knowing he’s on the loose.
Do you know if Megan’s family frequents that tanning salon? Perhaps he is paranoid, as he should be and needing a new throw away phone..
I think a trip back to the Nancy Grace show and whatever else public and nationally would get to DA’s head out his butt. It is past time for the family of Megan’s to have peace and our community to feel safe. If anyone is capable of doing this to one person they would not think twice to do it to someone else. What excuse is there if you have evidence get them off the streets point blank.
Is there anyone in the know that can give some reasoning for this DA to be waiting?????? Someone who knows someone in the DA’s office?????? What exactly is he waiting for?????
Concerned Parent says:
September 24, 2012 at 8:44 pm
B: The young woman on staff , knowing who he was , became concerned and called the owner. The owner responded and unlocked the door to the room where Mr. Jones was sitting fully clothed.
——————————-
I hope her parents are really proud of their smart young woman. Megan’s legacy has now helped to protect this potential “next girl.”
I am going to disagree with our Blink. IMO Drew Perterson is a punk who hid his true self behind a badge that should have been taken away from him thirty plus years ago. He was able to survive because the system in which he worked was corrupt.
Perhaps I stated that poorly, ATG. Of course Peterson is a punk, but he is a different profile than Donnie Jones. Imo, and I base this only on knowledge that has and has not been published that man is a sociopath and incredibly dangerous. He lures victims and and he is not going to stop until he is in jail.
B
I dont feel this is about spellin . I misspell things all the time. This is about a young woman that lost her life.So please lets dont forget that.
How terrifying for the girl working in the tanning bed. Good job for calling the owner. Could someone have left something in that room? Could he be waiting on someone? How scary. These men need to be caught ASAP.
RE: The tanning salon incident, given everything we know he is capable of, I am sure he was hoping it would be the young girl working the salon that opened the locked door…what a creeper
Thank you Blink for putting this article out there so people can be aware of this horrible crime. Thanks to you alot of people are more aware.
Lawsuit case # 39757 filed aug 10 the number I stated I would post for today
. @betty shoulder issues must run in the family may you should seek his attorney.
There has to be a reason the DA is waitin.Not real sure what it is. Maybe he is waitin till someone else gets killed. Or raped . Does anyone really know? What the hold up is. If this man really did do it. He needs to be off the streets.
Maybe I am a rocket scientist after all. This could be a concept way above the heads who have the power to arrest Demon Jones.
When a parent continues to enable a child by withholding punishment from bad behavior, they continue on their merry little way, taking all the power that’s been handed over to them by ‘authorities’.
In this case, why would Demon Jones turn himself in when clearly, no one is stopping him regardless of the fact he is a suspect; regardless of the fact the fact he murdered a beautiful, young, lady? I refuse to use alleged. He is a killing, raping machine with the mind of Satan. (redact that if necessary, but please don’t block my entire comment because of 1 word. I AM angry as hell right now). Why should he hide? Why shouldn’t he drive up and down main avenue with a gun and mark his targets, despite the fears of innocent people, a grieving family and friends? Why shouldn’t he his fun and have it all? WHY NOT! No one is stopping him.
I can’t even begin to muster an understanding as to what Kelly Sharpton and her family are feeling right now. Personally, I’m exploding. NOT ABOUT TO! I AM! I hate this MF. I HATE HIM AND THE AUTHORITIES WHO ARE ENABLING HIM!!!!!!!
Someone needs to come in and investigate the investigation crew. Someone needs to do something now and it’s not happening.
So, Demon Jones, continue to have the time of your life. It appears justice is Barney Fife, in Tullahoma TN. Wimpy.
Meg says:
September 25, 2012 at 12:18 am
don’t bother trying to understand, my friend. There’s a dark, dank mind you want to avoid registering. Demon Weener Jones is a freak of nature.
Blink – earlier someone (kgirl) asked if there were new developments regarding an arrest, and you said it wasn’t publishable. Can you at least tell us if things are moving in the right direction? I’m anxious to see what the lawsuit referred to by Melissa brings up. I suppose he’s thinking that, on top of getting away with murder, he’s also going to get a big fat check. He’s completely delusional.
Does anyone know what kind of car DJ drives? I also work in a place that I am alone after dark and would just like to BOLO!!
Ummmm, General Taylor! May I remind you that Ms. Sharpton IS a victim? (And I daresay you are revictimizing her and her family every minute that you continue to delay.) MOO
Victim Rights
By Virtue of being a victim, you have certain rights as provided by Article 1, section 35 of the Constitution of Tennessee.
1. The right to confer with the prosecution.
2. The right to be free from initimdation, harassment, and abuse throughout the criminal justice system.
3. The right to be present at all proceedings where the defendant has the right to be present.
4. The right to be heard, when relevant, at all critical stages of the criminal justice process as defined by the statute.
5. The right to be informed of all the proceedings and the release, transfer, escape, or recapture of the accused or convicted person.
6. The right to a speedy trial or disposition and a prompt and final conclusion of the case after the conviction or sentence.
7. The right to restitution from the defender.
8. The right to be informed of each of the rights established for victims.
The following phone numbers are for your information and convenience in excercising your rights:
Victims of Crime State Coordinating Council – 1-800-289-9018
Criminal Injuries Compensation Program – (615) 741-2734
Statewide Victim Witness Coordinator – (615) 532-5591
Probation and Parole – (615) 741-1150
Tennessee Department of Correction – (615) 741-1000 Ext. 4006
Tenn. Attorney General (appeals Info only) – (615) 532-1971
http://www.tndagc.com/vr.htm