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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http://www.occ.gov/static/enforcement-actions/ea2011-098.pdf
Not sure if this link will work.
Thanks Christy, that’s the one. It was brought to my attention by BOC editor Jacqueline Beaufort.
B
Kimberly & Christy
Under the title 39 criminal code for the state of Tennessee there is a provision regarding the sexual contact of a any person working in a capacity of law enforcement officer, correctional employee, volunteer or vender from having sexual contact with an inmate (see 39-16-408) and sexual contact is defined in 39-13-501. The law declares such contact to be a class E felony.
If they were not married at the time, I don’t see how Naomi escaped a felony charge. If her supervisor knew of such activity, they too should have been charged.
Lol. I appreciate you.
B
Donnie, good question, since that is an established neighborhood, and tax assessment records show it’s been there since the early ’60s.
http://www.assessment.state.tn.us/ParcelDetail3.asp?C=016
Based on the information in Christy’s link, it appears that the bank has been making some risky loans beyond the limits of capitalization.
The senior management and loan committee are under agreement to make corrections to their capitalization and their proceedures. There also is an indication that some in management lack the necessary skils to follow banking laws.
I do hope that all reading SJS posts do not believe that all people from the south are that stupid. The spelling is horrendous, and yes our towns are very small where everything is within a couple of miles. We need to stay focused on putting the people who murdered Megan, helped DJ afterwards are put in jail as well as the people who are stalking/harassing Meg’s family. We all must stand with Kelly as she fights for her child.
Texas Grandfather, if you think that’s interesting, you should see the city budgets….
Re: Google Maps, you can have a property removed from Street View. The house is there — it’s visible when you look at the properties on either side.
Rose,
Thanks for the kind comments and yes the Bank had to come into a Corrcetive Action Agreement with the US Government due to poor practices at the bank.
Donnie & Christian,
BRG (Dir at T Bank) lives at that address with his live in (AGS who is a Real Estate Agent at WR). Google Maps has blocked the view for some reason – just must be tied to the investigation and protection of those possibly not involved.
Well, generally that predicament means not that you slow down on loans, but that owners must put in more capital for a period until ratio is righted. The point is whether founding owners can put in more capital ? Small businesses’ business is the backbone of local banks which are usually started with the capital shares of several local businessmen.
Donnie, I’ve just begun a quick research on that address 1810 and found 1808 with Bennie Garrick as a current or past resident:
http://www.spokeo.com/Country+Club+Dr+Tullahoma+TN+addresses#1397360461
Oh, forgot that would be ‘resident’ with M. Newman, female, in her 100′s, if still alive and the info is current.
Residence 1808 shows 2 males, 1 female
Residence 1810 shows 4 females, 2 males (sounds like a litter).
http://www.spokeo.com/reverse-address-search/browse/Country+Club+Dr,+Tullahoma+TN+37388?addr_num=1810&s10=t37&match=1#1398935131
Christian
I would not be suprised at the city budgets. Towns and cities all over the country are in trouble because of the poor economy. Tax revenues are down and mayors and city councils are scrambling to find enough money to operate. So many thought that the false economy could go on forever and made no plans for a downturn. Sad.
Rose
Your statement about the capital of the bank is a major problem. My wife worked in banking all her working life. So I know a lot about them. Can the present shareholders increase the capital? If not they better find someone to fund the shortage or find a buyer that will make up the difference. Small community banks have it tough right now.
lots of info….most I Didnt know… it’s been informatative…but lets not forget Megan was about LOVE and LIGHT and dont let his darkeness and his families ignorance take away from that. I wish you had known her….. she was JOY… thank you for your love and support.
Always- I wish we had as well.
B
and my heart is broken
The house is pretty large and has a pool in a bit of a wooded setting.
Multi-Unit
Average Age: 64# Male 2
Ethnicity: 100% Caucasian Female: 4
Unit Type: Multi-Unit Residence
Sqft: 2,432# Beds: -Lot: 36,777# Baths: 2
The purchase price has been removed from Spokeo and it is not shown on the latest Google maps.
A homeowner can request his address be removed from Google maps street view. I believe it will still show up with a place-marker (A, B, C, etc.)
http://www.ehow.com/how_6525065_remove-house-street.html
Sending you all our love. Can not imagine your hurt and so many of us want nothing but to help take away your hurt.
Megan will not be forgotten. If we keep digging and talking and making calls – then justice will be served.
<3
Not to change the subject but How does finding the car in Bedford County fit into this case? I get the connection between Fletcher Rd and Awalt.
She was lured there. There was a hand drawn map inside her vehicle, which matched her location. Her car was left in the middle of the road.
B
Can somebody please tell me if DJ has a neck injury. And to sjs you have not got the heat off your friends back for awhile.
For what purpose please?
B
The address Audrey Gail Shasteen has listed on her bankruptcy on Country Club Drive is the home owned by Bennie Garrick, her boyfriend whom she lives with. While he works at Traders Bank, he is merely the greeter there, nothing else, a “title” he was given when he was demoted a few years ago, basically to allow him a job until retirement. Boycotting Traders Bank would be wrong, as it is merely his employer, and it would be extremely unfair to the bank stockholders and customers. Traders Bank and the real estate company Miss Shasteen work for have nothng to do with this case. Should they try to make him turn himself in? ABSOLUTELY, but their employers are by no means at fault or liable.
Why so far away from Awalt? Is there a connection? Does this have to do with the interview? Was the interview to take place in Bedford County?
#19. “There was a hand drawn map inside her vehicle” – Do you know who drew that map?
Whoever lured her had the inside info about her that
a potential job of that type would be highly motivating.
TH for info Gwendolyn. I had inferred he had an ownership interest or was
a bank pres, because some locals referred to the family as powerful or
connected, without checking out that impression. I apprsciate correction
that was supposed to be thank you, TY, to Gwendolyn.
B,
I thought i had seen him around Tullahoma before was wanting to make sure it was the same person.
@Cindy
She did
http://www.tradersbank (dot) com/history.html
things changed in 84, if not 82
he was a bank pres.
and one family
seemed to have controlling interest
& responsibility
to shore up capital
Thank you, Gwendolyn. While Mr. Garrick may in fact be a shareholder it is not his family that holds controlling interest in the bank.
Also, I think the nice couple that resides at 1810 Country Club would probably appreciate not be a part of this sad tale…Garrick/Shasteen live at 1808.
Agreed. Ms. Shasteen filed a public document which was also recorded in the local paper indicating her address. I know that Ms. Shasteen has helped Donnie got out of trouble in the past and worse, I do not know her current status in that regard. I should like to think she is regretting her past support as if the very serious nature of his previous crimes were taken seriously, Meg would be alive today, imo.
B
ATG,
Thank you for the Tn code, much appreciated.
Guess we can say she got very lucky,,,, as I don’t believe you can have a nursing degree with a felony record,, pretty lucky OR someone helped out!
True
She was taken unwillingly from her car..from the location it was found in Bedford Co? I understood the 911 caller was in no way connected…I think Im getting now that it was in fact an accomplice? Also,wondering if any info was gained from the Nancy Grace show?
jane- there has been no confirmation as to how Meg was separated from her vehicle. I know that it remains in evidence, so I assume that it has evidentiary value to the case and is therefore a crime scene.
Based on some case sensitive information and public information about the 911 call, it is my opinion that individual is also a witness at a minimum.
B
Curious now about the neck injury.
I understand that the alleged suspect, DJ, was wearing a neck brace when he had Tommy G. buy a cell phone for him at Walmart. DJ waited in his vehicle until TG returned with the phone.
Criminals need to replace their phones regularly with prepaid phones. I get that.
Did DJ injure his neck in any kind of altercation, of late? Possibly an encounter with a Banshee?
The phone purchase was last Fall
B
Kelly, I’ve spent the evening reading beautiful poems about light and love, Megan’s favorite things. My heart breaks for you. xoxo
Light A Candle
© J
light a candle,
see it glow,
watch it dance,
when you feel low,
think of me,
think of light,
I’ll always be here,
day or night,
a candle flickers,
out of sight,
but in your heart,
I still burn bright,
think not of sadness,
that I’m not near,
think of gladness,
and joyous cheer,
I have not left,
I am not gone,
I’m here to stay
my little one,
so when you light a candle
and you see it glow
and you watch it dance
in your heart you’ll know
that I would never leave you
even when you feel so blue
I’m sitting up here with the Lord
and now watching over you
Source: Light A Candle, Missing You Poem http://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/light-a-candle#ixzz27MyJidQL
http://www.FamilyFriendPoems.com
Its sad that this page is to focus on what’s going on.. Yet, everyone wants too jump on “big D and sjs” why?? For what… Cause they are stating how they feel, what they think, and because they don’t type correct, or talk in the form that you think is right?? That’s a joke!! You people seem to be so worried about bashing them and making sure that you correct there every move… Is crazy! Kinda sad if I do say so!! Yet your so worried about this case?? Does not seem like it! I have went back too read over and they didn’t start intell everybody started jumping in their face (computer tough guys) LOL!! Even you blink.. Its not right to make “fun” of people who can’t spell correct, or who don’t no how to type correct, maybe they don’t sit at the face of a computer like some do… There job is outside of a PS.. Or laptop, so why make fun of grammer, or spelling? To each his own but what if someone picked out something that wasn’t perfect about you and played it to the fullest?? I see that not all your words are not in correct spelling or even worded right, not trying to throw digs!! -just saying!! Its not right too make fun
Anyways.. Blink I never got an E-mail from you!!
Did you check spam? I sent again. Momma- I am not sure you have been reading all the comments.
B
fwiw, a bit off topic; fleshes out the bank back story
http://tullahomaradio.com/?p=2507
44. Kozyotb says:
September 22, 2012 at 12:19 am
links please?
B
Sorry Blink the link wouldn’t post.
They will if you put them in the body and not first line, or you can put a partial.
B
to rose. i think your linking an obit is very low and mean.
queenv- It is a beautiful obituary and relative to the discussion, no allegations of any kind, not sure what the issue is.
B
@ momma
Are you serious? This page is about the victim. When they post (willingly) that they are friends and support with people suspected of such a horrible crime what to you expect normal sympathetic people to do?
Please bear in mind that it takes evidence to obtain search warrants, they are not given so freely. But IMO they are not doing them any favors on here talking the way that they do.
And yes everyone has their right to their own opinion. Maybe Gifford did not have anything to do with it, maybe he was just a scared man who does what he is told. But common sense should tell someone that you don’t want to go and buy a throw away phone for someone with his reputation. And then again maybe he was forced to help. It will all come out in the wash.
And one more point. If he and is girlfriend were such law abiding citizens her kids wouldn’t have been taken away by CPS.
@ big daddy.
Yes he was in a neck brace
Not sure when or how he was injured and I believe he is out of if now. I saw him last week without one.
If its true the kids got taken away, then I’m glad. At least someones got the sense. Was there abuse or neglect? Its usually hard to get kids out. If there’s enough evidence to get the kids away, then there’s got to be a way to get their asses arrested asap!
positive for meth use.
B
I also thought it was a beautiful obituary. It also showed the bank was in the hands of a good family with a lot on their plate recently. It showed the good side of a small town, and it mentioned public social institutions. I found many other good social networks like Rotary with town leadership but thought it was off topic to post. I thought the weaknesses were politics like state srnate distr 16.
I am a CASA in Washington State, known in other areas as a Guardian Ad Litem. I’ve been holding my breath waiting for the state to take control of the children. I thought of these kids when I read Blink’s comment awhile back about how many private messages she’d received from people who had horror stories to tell about DJ. It made me wonder if anyone had EVER called CPS on behalf of his children. Teachers? Neighbors? Victims? It is common for people to be reluctant to call CPS when they suspect something isn’t right. Don’t be. Many a reported suspicion has yielded tremendous help for children caught up in their parents’ dysfunction.
CPS investigations are private as you know, so I cannot comment except to say I have faith that this community has made it very clear it is concerned for anyone associated with Donnie Frank Jones, Jr.
B
I suspect that’s what his violation was for also. It’s sad because she was such a sweet girl. And what is scary she works for a company as a security guard. I hope she can wake up and get her life back on track.
So sad, I do too.
B
Blink – do you know if Naomi is cooperating with LE or is she standing by her man?
Standing by her man.
B
Thank you for answering my question about BOLO ATG. It’s much apprectiated.
HEY! momma… you are not her mama….I am and this is my pain, y’all lie and cover all you gotta but I fall asleep with her face in my head and wake up the same….so for real…….shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. until you know my pain……..shhhhhhhhhhhh
How can you accuse any one without the proof. Oh and who is Eric Sharpton…
Jan, I needed to change your hat as we already have a Jan, so if you wish to change it next post you can.
You clearly did not read my coverage of this case, and you came on here to troll.
You know exactly who Eric Sharpton is or you would not have brought it up.
He was Megan’s bio father, and he held her Mother captive one day as they were divorcing and carved his initials in her arm among other brutalities.
Is that supposed to be some sort of secret or relative issue, because it is not.
It will likely have the exact effect it should. Stronger determination and compassion for what happened to Megan and her family – ending with these two miscreants behind bars where they belong.
B