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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Kelly, you are Megan’s voice. She has an amazingly strong momma.
What happens when this all gets spilled out, and it will, is the light will be shone on what’s been wrong in our community for far, far too long. Folks that ‘tsk’ the evil and say ‘oh, I’m gonna sit right over here and pray but not be proactive because surely all those folks know what theyre doing. ‘
The poster-bettyanne- if this were your child, and you were in her mothers shoes and you KNEW who did it, you had facts and confirmation that proved it, yet the one person who could help
WOULDN’T. .what would you do?
do us a favor, really pay attention when this all comes out, listen and read what was done to this girl. Then tell us what ‘your God’ wants you to say.
Bad parents raise good kids, good parents raise bad kids, bad parents raise bad kids, good parents raise good kids.
If you’re in the habit of forever sweeping up behind your kid and cleaning up their wrongs, then you’re in the bad, enabling category.
Really “Big D” was at the crime scene two days later? Who does that? Someone that is looking for something that they are afraid they left behind, that’s who! What Blink says is TRUE and ACCURATE! Quit grasping at straws trying to make excuses to “cover up” what really happened. We aren’t buying it because there is strong evidence to show BOTH were involved, and the parts they each played. THIS horrible D.J. is the one that raped, beat, and killed this beautiful girl. TG dumped her body and set her on fire. If Big D. is such a good friend of Tim Gifford, then he should be trying to talk some sense into him to come clean! If not, it’s gonna be even worse for him, cause D.J. is going to try to take him down with him, and even try to claim he committed the whole crime. D.J.’s momma has made it worse covering for this evil son of hers over the years. She can’t help him now! Rest assured, it’s coming! These two WILL be paying for the crimes they committed…Meg will be sure to see to that…you can bet!
Hi, Big D. Thanks for expressing your thoughts and feelings here. We are lay-people who write here and we are very concerned that a young woman was killed and her body was desecrated. Someone in your town did that.
The police in your town spoke publicly and told a resident that he was their prime suspect. A source at TBI (Tennessee’s FBI) confirmed to Reporter Blink that there was DNA of a person in town found at the crime scene of Meg Sharpton; that information was also confirmed by personnel of the counties’ police.
Many of us are parents who would be screaming our heads off and demanding some action from the police. The family of the deceased woman are being harassed and threatened. A number of people in the family and close to the family have written in to say they’ve been terrified.
I agree with you that we don’t want to put the wrong person in jail. The police are ready to make arrest(s), they’ve said, but they are waiting for the District Attorney to make that determination.
I’m with those here who are protesting the lack of an arrest in this crime and are pleading with law enforcement to take the dangerous people out of your community. I think you have to look at that basic intention before judging those who won’t be nearby when the arrests occur.
One thing you said I find pretty troubling. You were speaking to the reporter, Blink, and you wrote Sept. 19, 2012, 11:42am:
“Ok reporter let me just you that Gifford is not on parole he is on probation. Theres a big difference. How solid is your intell now. You DO NOT have your facts straight and that PROBATION violation has nothing to do with this. You must be a woman.”
It’s not the snarky and disrepectful tone you take, but the degrading comment “You must be a woman.” is what bothers me most.
Those who denigrate women are only steps from harming them and history shows that many of them do just that. Harm takes many forms, including murder.
Naturally, you can apologize here, but will that change your heart and mind to see women as equal to men on all counts, deserving of respect and protection in their relationship to men?
My heart and prayers are with Megan’s family I did not know her but the people I know that did has said how kind she was. I am shocked at how long the DA has taken to get the people off the streets that did such an evil act. God be with all the families that are hurt from these evil acts.
Big D, if you disagree with the professionalism, perspective, etc., etc., etc. then move along and stop arguing for goodness sake. Shut up. You will not convince any of us that you somehow have facts more relevant and/or true than whay Blink has. Also, every time I read one of your posts I feel the need to shower and then apologize to the BOC community at large and remind everyone you are not representative of Tennesseeans at large. You’re making my home state look bad.
QUOTE
He faked his own death once and broke out of jail.
UNQUOTE
I asked about that and I understand why there was no response. He is dangerous and not able to play 52 pick up. Lacks a full deck.
So now we know this guy will do most anything to save his @$$. Do the Sharptons’ and the community need to fear the disappearance of Demon Jones before an arrest? Not only that, but to have him lurking God knows where, will only allow the fear to fester.
It’s been how long since evidence has been secured to arrest him. Forgive me for stating the obvious. There is no longer a valid reason, IMHO, to wait any further for an arrest.
@Futureman –
Your comment make sence.
The only thing anybody got is that Wallmart phone.
Don’t forget they have to get the rite person.
Me man – you woman HERE me ror !!!!!
I had a chuckle today, Big D tells us at 11:42 a.m that he has to go do what grown ups do. I assumed that meant work. Then he’s right back at 1:37 p.m. If my math is correct, that’s exactly 1 hour and 55 minutes. Wonder what kind of job he has. I bet he was actually exploring crime scenes again or maybe he had to go back home because he forgot his Alibi. But on a serious note. That is just enough time to check in with his PAROLE officer.
@ Big D…. IF Mr. Gifford is innocent as you say, why would he not come forth and tell what he does or doesn’t know? I for one know that if it were me in his shoes and I was being accused of being a part of a crime such as murder I would bend over backwards to prove I was innocent. I agree that everyone on this site as well as the rest of Tullahoma & surrounding counties all want one thing….JUSTICE. I just pray that it is sooner rather than later. Don’t give DJ a chance to harm another young girl. I can’t even begin to imaine what Megan’s family has been through the last few months, and I hope I never have to experience it. The Sharpton’s have been more than patient in waiting for the DA to make his move. They deserve better than this. Its a shame that the “Good Ole Boys” are scared to do anything about it. But I assure you that his day will come and he will burn in hell like he deserves.
My gut is telling me that this BigD character is DJ himself trying a head game with everyone. If he makes TG look like he’s trying to hide something; then when he plays his hand at blaming it all on TG he somehow succeeds. Just the psychotic mind at work. This is something that I can see him trying to do. I have a son that I love with all my being. But with that said. If he ever did what DJ has done; I, myself, would turn him in. If for nothing other than to protect other innocent people. Somehow I don’t think there is help for people as evil as DJ is. I just can’t seem to wrap my mind around the fact that the DA isn’t seeming to do anything about what he has been done. Over and over DJ has gotten away with crimes that NOONE should get away with. My heart goes out to the Sharpton family at the injustice that is being done to them. It is completely and utterly awful to lose a loved one. Much less to the violence that took sweet Meg from them. But to have NO justice whatsoever and sit and worry for not only their lives; but other lives that DJ could potentially take….is completely horrifying to say the least. I hope and pray that he is taken into custody before he can do any more damage. I have seen firsthand what DJ is. And it is an ugly ugly thing to see. I feel that if the local DA can’t get it done….maybe it should be taken to a higher court. Is that a possible thing to do? I am curious about that.
these guys need to be put to death they dont deserve too live not even in jail or prison where tax payers keep them up …
this girl was so full of life and it was took from her that this big d guy and grifford does not deserve to live there life making others affraid if there child is out of there site will he get them whats this world coming too we raise our kids too work hard and have a good life and just who the hell do you think you are taking someone’s life do the world a favor and take your own life
thats ok big d whats to run his mouth about women on here well what ya going too do when you ask the courts for a lawyer and well you get a women what then ……cause you know a women is just as equal as a man is but i pray that you get a female lawyer just too see you eat your own words
Big “D”,I have an idea try attending high school AGAIN and MAYBE you can achieve a B+ or an A-!!! If you have NOTHING to do with case why do you comment so much?Your English skills are so pathetic! Bless all of you for not bringing that up but, REALLY???
Do you remember the 21st night of September NOPE NOT YET!!!! Ba de ya!
just my opinion…
“YO BIG “D”.. watch yo six boy!! THIS IS GONNA GET UGLY, You might be the “FALL GUY”…
no offense Blink!
Their is so much that I could tell each and everyone of you about G (Timmy Gifford) But I don’t have too, Beacause it really wouldn’t matter. Everyone has there mind made up about him!! But I do just want too say a few things! No fight intended. BUT… Yes G as I call him, he’s a close very very good friend of mine!! Like my brother. I want too correct somethings, one being yes he had a bed prior too this, his EX-girlfriend has a disabled daughter, when G moved in with her he gave her daughter his bed too sleep on because his EX already had a bed, when they split he couldn’t take the bed away from a child, let alone a child that was disabled!!! So he left it and never asked for it again. But I’m sure if they wanted the bed for any some reason they could go get it. Another thing.. This is a SMALL town that we live in.. Everybody has an inside about everyone else, or so they think… You all don’t no G you just no what you hear… Or see on TV or read in the papaer, you what you see in pictures (including the st. Type picture of his grill below the pic of D.J) The media, the news paper, people talking when they don’t no has ruined one mans life!! I want too say I AM SORRY for her death!!!!! I wish the world was a better place, but it isn’t!! Everyone has too have a voice, an it is amazing that our small little town is being Meg’s voice, but what about an innocent mans name being drug in the dirt for this! TIMMY GIFFORD didn’t do this. Taking the wrong mans life away is no better then killing a young woman full of life, love, hopes and dreams! (Yes I new her as well) So when I say thing about G or about her, its like a battle! I new Meg! And G is my brother! He didn’t do this! He couldn’t….
I support Mr. Gifford’s right to due process of course, with much respect, I get that the family of suspects become the unintended victims as well, but I can promise you it is no comparison to the grief the Sharpton’s are carrying and enduring. Tell your brother to tell the truth, it will set his soul free.
B
I also want too say the D.J is a scary person, I work in Tullahoma… He is always coming into my work! He seems like somebody that you wouldn’t want any contact with! You no… Just one of them people that just look/act scary, he’s also a pervert… I wish that they would tell out town about him! Use the media too protect the next young lady…
Blink- Just a question, Have you hurd yet and/or been told this was a “hit for hier” ?? Iv got another name of a person who hasn’t been put out there yet… Could we talk about him?? Would it even matter… I tried to privite message you no respond?? Please contact me via the E-mail I left!! I’m not getting returned messages! Thanks Blink!
Did Naomi have her LPN while working as a corrections officer? Is that what made his faking his own death work?
She did not then, and she was not in the picture when the death faking occurred.
B
is naomi involved. it sounds like she put megan in harm’s way.
I dont know.
B
Amen queenV, now that’s one thing that makes sense….
One of my first thoughts and another, Why????
It seems that Meg wasn’t a random victim, there was thought and planning that went into this brutal crime. Why was she his target?
I agree with you, and have from the beginning, I will be able to speak more candidly following arrests.
B
@Momma – It does matter. We are all reasonable people. Tell us about your brother G.
You also speak of how dangerous DJ is. Then what’s your brother G’s association with him? Are they buds? You say DJ is a pervert. He must have said or did something to you. Does your brother know this? How often did your brother G expose YOU to DJ? I think it’s safe to say we are all past the bed thing. Tell us something new. Where was G at the time this happened?
If you knew Meg, then you also know that she would be fighting for you.
A Hit for Hire ? On a sweet girl like that. Impossible.
DJ is declaring your brother G guilty of this crime. If your that confident in him go to the authorities with him. It is only going to get worse. He needs to cough up the Truth and nothing but the truth..
So he faked his death while with his first (?) wife? And it got all cleaned up for him?
But met the current wife while in prison?
I wonder if first wife is damn glad she’s out of the picture? And did they have kids together?
Christy I am intentionally withholding that information as possible eventual witnesses and definite former victim.
B
mediaman> my heart goes out to everyone in tullahoma.are there any links to local television coverage?does mediaman hear anything going on in the da office.i hope someone is doing some type of documentary ,if local news isnt following the story.acoording to wikipedia this town is has too much potiential,and good people to let the community fizzle on their own over this horrendous crime,officials need to make a big official move,arrest,if they cant arrest yet,a statement would be nice!
B, gotcha. Thanks
“Momma” and “Big D/et al”…take advice that you’ve been given and go with your ‘brother’ to the police/sheriff NOW.
It will not get better if you wait. If he’s as uninvolved as you say, then get on over there asap.
Blink,
I’m sorry to be pushy, but I’m so worried about the twins. Have you heard any info that would assure they are safe?
I have, will update later today.
B
Pitting one suspect against another…I wonder how many DNA samples were found? Returning to the scene of the crime. What are the percentages of that really happening? Is this tragedy turning into some course 101? It seems we are waiting and watching for some kind of train wreck that has already started happening. I have to hope that the DA knows where those trains are headed.
Just a quick word of thanks to blink for keeping the message active.
We need your help bringing justice, peace and resolution to our town and especially to Megan’s family.
I pray for them and for the law enforcement officers in the case.
WE NEED AN ARREST, DA! Hear our plea.
He isn’t my real brother but he might as well be, I understand everyone is hurting and going threw it. We are all going threw this. Even G. The reason he hast spoke out is because his lawyer is telling him NOT too! Believe me he wants everyone to know his side of the story!! But he can’t!
Blink not being rude.. But he has no truth too set him free! He didn’t do or have any part of this! He’s not what anyone is making him out too be! IF he did have something too do with it that will mosre then ever shock me!
HIT FOR HIER- Blink… Why haven’t you commented on that?? You have been told this before haven’t you… She wasn’t just a random murder, this was planned and the truth will come out! And when it does G will be set free! And DJ will be behind bars!!
For the lady that said how were they buddys? How was I exposed too DJ, for one DJ was having an affair with Gs cousin, that he lived with at the time! So G and DJ became buddys if that’s what you want too call it, G would cut his grass and thing of the sort cause DJ was in a neck brace and so on! That’s how they met! As far as being a pervert YEA he is! And I no this from how he talks when he comes into my work, things he says, actions, body movement HE’S A PERV!!
Momma- are you suggesting Meg was murdered because someone was hired to do so?
For what possible purpose would anyone contract to kill a nursing student who did not have a single enemy, was unmarried, and the only assets she had are those of a young woman working part time and going to school?
I am not familiar with many mfh plots that include rape, leaving DNA behind, etc.
I am open to hearing what you have to say.
B
I say this everyone that involved in helping to cover this or has information about this crime and isn’t going forward with it should have some type of punishment. I don’t care how much you love anyone you should never help someone who takes another humans life. Also, if you have to go to the lengths of getting a man in prison, you must have a very low self esteem. I think she should have to do jail time for that crime as well.
I been readin all this . and i feel there was more than one person in on it.and i feel that these poeple know what happen to that girl. and it will come out in time.
……. Because he probably tried to hit on Megan and she refused…..
…. maybe even went to her so called “friend” and told on him……
I cant believe we are still talking / reading about this with NO arrest. Are you KIDDING ME!!!!! In this day and age with all the information out there its crazy. I cant imagine that this DA is willing to go down with this guy or guys. I have always said when things get hairy “don’t stand to close or you will go down with them” If everyone that is lying and protecting these guys would step back and let justice work these guys will go down on their own. It is no ones fault but their own. Our world is at a whole new low if these guys walk because they are pointing at each other. Mr. DA STEP UP!!!
Meg’s Mom ~ I heard a preview for a movie coming out and it reminded me of you “Wont back down” how empowering for all of us Mothers! Do not mess with our babies you do and you get all of our attention and we will NOT back down!!!
In my opinion, wife beaters don’t stop beating. It’s also my opinion that any man that would beat a women is a low-life coward. Maybe Megan was encouraging the current wife to leave and that’s why she was targeted.
Unequivocally once a man beats a woman, or is physically abusive, I am not aware of a case where it gets better outside of intensive intervention.
B
i am new to this site and apologize for repeating, but i heard that
dj phone was found in meg’s home. could his wife have been jealous?
That is incorrect.
B
Where did you read that please?
B
Someone had posted it on there fb wall hope that it is true. They said he had turned himself into the FCSD.
He has.
http://blinkoncrime.com/2012/09/20/megan-sharpton-murder-suspect-arrested-donnie-jones-in-police-custody-second-arrest-imminent/
I am so praying it is true so the family of Megan can have some sort of peace..
He has. I was waiting for confirmation, long morning.
B
I tell you what !
I have followed many cases for many years. But this one just takes the cake. I just feel like spitting NAILS.
They have the who’s – They have the how – They probably have the why.
Perp’s + Evidence + Motive = ARREST !!!
And another thing:
I agree queenv/Bettyanne,
I wonder if law enforcement has brought the hammer down on Naomi yet.
Blink – Thanks for letting me rant !
[...] reported exclusively on Blink On Crime, Jones and his alleged accomplice have been suspects in the investigation into the rape, murder and [...]
@ K. Hall says:
September 19, 2012 at 9:37 pm
Agreed 110%. My initials thoughts as well after reading his first post. He would, after all, think of himself as larger than life. Men who victimize women by intimidation, abuse, rape, murder….aren’t big. They are invertebrates and nothing more.
Throw him in a UFC ring and let’s see how threatening the Big D really is.
And another thing that puzzles me, why have The Tullahoma News and The Manchester Times (both under the same management) swept this story under the rug in recent days? Major markets are picking it up but they haven’t published anything (that I’ve seen). Why wouldn’t this be front page if when it’s worthy of being a lead in on a Nashville station…
Am I missing something here? Did I miss a paper somewhere?
He has been arrested! TG will follow! Thank God!
@Momma
Part of your comment, above:
“You all don’t no G you just no what you hear… Or see on TV or read in the papaer, you what you see in pictures (including the st. Type picture of his grill below the pic of D.J) The media, the news paper, people talking when they don’t no has ruined one mans life!!”
First of all, your man “G”, is the one putting out the “street type” image:
HE is the one who paid to HAVE a gold “grill” into his mouth.
HE is the one who dressed up like a thug and POSED for that “street type” picture.
HE is the one who GOES BY the thuggish street type monikker of “BigD” (at THIRTY years of age!)
So, it’s no ones fault but his OWN if the sum total of these decisions is that public perception of him is a low-life THUG!
It’s not like Blink tricked him into posing for the photo she published, or photo-shopped it to make him look “street”.
You also said in that same comment:
“I WANT too say I AM SORRY for her death!!!!!”
“Wanting” to say something is NOT the same as saying it.
If you wish to express your condolences to the Sharpton’s regarding Megan’s death…then tell them.
Framed within your comment is also the phrase
“I’m sorry for her death”—such language can **sometimes** indicate guilty knowledge of a crime, as the person stating those words is, in effect, taking ownership (I’m) of the victim’s death, (her death) and also taking ownership of regret for it (I’m sorry for).
I’m not saying this to accuse you of anything, but as a reminder that the words we choose DO matter. As someone who has identified HERSELF as “connected to” a suspected accomplice in a murder case, it would be wise to choose your words carefully.
Need to update later today, these things can be fluid, my apologies.
B
God Bless Megan’s family… This will never be easy for them, but they can at least rest better knowing they are behind bars…. Unbelievable ANYONE could do such a horrible act to any human being…. I’m sure Megan is smiling now…. God Bless her….
Bear with me as best you can, we have a time difference issue, will republish as soon as I can, and no I can’t comment until then. My apologies, these matters are delicate and sometimes require extreme flexibility on my (our) part and minimal swearing.
Please continue to support the Sharpton family while we approach hopeful updates in the case.
B
will update later today.
B