Suspect In Rape And Murder Of Megan Sharpton Is Arrested- Donnie Frank Jones In Custody For Felony Gun Possession
Donnie Frank Jones, Jr, 37, of Tullahoma, TN was arrested this afternoon after a search warrant at his home revealed the convicted felon was in possession of a firearm. The elementary school which is also on Bel Air Drive, was in lockdown this afternoon during the search.
Jones is the prime suspect in the brutal murder of Megan Sharpton, and is linked to her death via a CODIS match as previously reported on BOC.
Details are still emerging, check back to www.blinkoncrime.com for updates.
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Blink! Excellent work and unbelievable tenacity! My hat is off to you. May Megan’s light, joy and peace bring comfort to her family and friends tonight. xo
The tenacity award goes to Kelly and the FCSD. I am just the Jersey version of Liz Salander.
B
TG is fully aware!!! He told them about the gun! If TG hasn’t talked to donnie about anything or has “stayed away” from him… They why would he know too tell about the gun?! I mean really… More then likley he hasn’t stayed away! Now he seems too know a lot more!???? Ughhh this bothers me to no end!!
Btw- WHAT in gods name happened from his myspace picture, too now?? Personally I don’t think he looks scared in his mug shot, to me he looks like he thinks its a joke!! Or like its funny? He seems too think because of his past his future holds the same story!! Let’s see how long he remains cocky about what’s going on!! AND I see him in my work all the time WITH OUT the glasses?? Were did they come from??
Snitches snitching on snitches. What goes around eventually comes around.
So glad for Meg’s family, for him to be behind bars- hope he stays there. And glad he is off the streets of Tullahoma.
there is a bit of peace for us and Meg this morning. We appreciate the love we feel from everyone and our community. Our investigator and sheriff are top notch and if you feel the need to tell em, please do, I will never be able to thank them enough. No need to worry about the rest of us Sharpton’s. We are a gentle group with peace only in our hearts and necessary means should it be needed to heed off any more evil headed our way. Love to you all.. Peace to your families and to DJ’s poor blessed babies. Maybe they will get the love they need now… I worry for them.
I kind of feel like a jerk even asking this due to the nature of the crime, so you don’t have to post this if you don’t want, but I think I had heard that Megan had a gunshot wound. Is there a possibility of a ballistics match with this gun?
Christian, I can’t address rumors. I know you understand. The weapon recovered was a rifle and for the moment that’s all I can comment on.
B
B says – I think he looks like a scared flea caught in a spider web, waiting to get rolled up for dinner.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yep, totally agree. His pic from your earlier article creeped me out completely.
His mug-shot, not at all. He looks scared (s)mug-less.
Maybe his wife had been
confiding in her while carpooling.
Yes, they were friends. Did not hang out outside of the commute and school thing at all, but spent at least 30 minutes in a car together daily.
I think it is important to note that Naomi has an alibis, airtight for the evening of Meg’s murder.
That said, let me state publicly one does not have to present to be a murder accomplice, and neither does an accessory after the fact. I am not making that direct allegation, but I know for a fact she had knowledge at a minimum. This woman should be considered a POI in areas of this crime, imo.
B
@ Christy – I consider “DA” Taylor part of the scum needing scraping. jmho
The tenacity award goes to Kelly and the FCSD. I am just the Jersey version of Liz Salander.
B
~~~~~~~
Ah yes…..Ms. Salander. I love her work, and yours!
I was wondering if anyone knows how or where he obtained the firearm?
I do. Case sensitive at the moment. Will discuss post arraignment.
B
I am curious what is next. This POS seems pretty arrogant. There is a pretty good chance there was something he did not get rid of. Also it seemed if I understood what I read that this was the first search that was done at his home, why? Is there anything that was found that is not “case sensitive” that can be discussed?
If TG is giving up the gun to aid in a reason for obtaining a search warrant does that mean he is talking?
I am very curious about what is next. It sounds as if his supports that have protected him in the past have scattered so that leaves whom? just him and his wife? And who is supporting her? Maybe with him being locked up it took the leg off the table so she will tip and talk. Short of helping her husband do what has been done from the beginning out of fear I just do not get it. I know there are cold blooded killers that are girls but to have one that is married to one is un-real and I dont think other than Bonnie and Clyde has happened ever before.
I believe the preliminary cause of death was blunt force trauma.
Correct, the final report has not been released.
B
Goodness. Got it, thank you.
So, now that he’s arrested, do you think Taylor will continue to delay murder charges, or will a grand jury indict him and he’ll have no choice? I guess my question is do you think Taylor will keep dragging his feet on this, or will he now be with everyone else in trying to keep this guy locked up for good?
I think he will drag his feet until some additional forensics are back, and then seek an indictment with the sole purpose of getting a plea from the suspect (s). I do not think he has any remote interest in trying this case. Davis has an axe to grind, and Taylor has zero experience in trying high profile forensic cases.
B
Part of his targeting of Megan & motivation could be he was aware wife
had confided personal details about his activities or behaviors
in criminal enterprises or wrt her or children and considered Megan
a jeopardy to him due to knowledge acquired carpooling.
Certainly wife is a POI and an accessory at a minimum due to not turning
on him re gun. she was foolish from the day she met him. imagine having children
with him.
Donnie Jones bonded out and is now back out on the street. We need to be cautious, and caution our young women in the Tullahoma area. The 41A Music Festival is this weekend and he has bragged around town that he and his friends will be there. Many people will feel safe, thinking he is in jail when he is NOT. His court date is 10/1, but he could harm someone before then…and we do not know what the outcome is going to be at his court date. I’m furious that his bail was set at only $500,000 and he was able to bond out! But, he is back out there among us, my friends.
Connie- where are you getting this?? He is absolutely not bonded out, his ass is squarely in a cell in Coffee COunty. If some dumbass even tries to bail him out, I will know immediately, and a I daresay it might prompt a change of heart on behalf of DA Taylor – toot sweet.
B
By Davis, do you mean Larry TBI?
I found he & Fuller worked cases
together way back before 1993.
@PaleRider, Yes, “DA” Taylor is a major portion of the scum that needs to be skimmed off the pond.
And I, like Christian, had read that about a gunshot wound in a news article awhile back. Nothing as of late though. Could be rumors, but I’m waiting for all the facts to come out.
So so relieved to have DJ at least off the streets. Now Taylor needs to hurry and start piling on indictments.
This just posted on my facebook by respected resident of Tullahoma:Melissa K. Hand
13 minutes ago
Tullahoma Area People: PLEASE be cautious and tell your young women to be cautious this weekend, especially at the 41A Music Festival. DONNIE JONES BONDED OUT and is BACK OUT on the streets! It sickens and infuriates me beyond words that he is back out among us!
1. Who is Melissa Hand and this is absolutely false. If she is posting it, I would let her know.
Do y’all know how to use vine link?
https://www.vinelink.com/vinelink/initMap.do
B
larry davis can’t be too popular with Dechard town fathers
http://www.facebook.com/TheHeraldChronicle/posts/417593524951336?comment_id=4859495&offset=0&total_comments=13
To Meg’s mom: Thank you for caring about all the other young girls enough to push your own grief and sorrow aside. I know you will never feel true closure, but your continued compassion for others is triumphant and Megan is watching. Starry, starry night. God Bless you and your family.
************
DJ’s mug shot sure looks different than his FB photo doesn’t it? Roids maybe? His neck looks like it’s twice as large as then.
I never did find his previous arrest records. He was arrested for rape before and offered a plea, do I have that right?
Blink, I am wondering if LE is now looking at him in other missing person cases?
I would say that LE has an interest in any possibility of similar case involvement.
B
Christy
Your community is no different than a lot of others around the country. We all depend on the criminal justice system to function as intended. You have a good sheriff and staff, but they are handicapped by having a non-functional DA and maybe some others in the court system.
As horrible for the family as this case is, it may be the wake-up call to get things right. When a community discovers that elected or hired people are not doing their job, it is time for the people to make corrections. It will take a lot of effort and more time than one would expect at the beginning. Do not give up. All it takes is one or two concerned citizens to be strong and make it happen.
Evil exists when good people do not confront it in a timely manner.
Rose says:
September 28, 2012 at 9:21 am
QUOTE
That said, let me state publicly one does not have to present to be a murder accomplice, and neither does an accessory after the fact.
UNQUOTE
Appreciate you bringing that up, specifically.
Do we know of any domestic related violence in their relationship? I ask, because that would no doubt silence her. How could she not be scared of this man? I had a friend who grew up with a psychopathic father. Violence and having shotguns pointed at them from inches, was a part of her childhood (he was a hunter). Her mother was nothing but compliant. She never fought back or sassed him…ever She later admitted to her daughter she was afraid to leave b/c he’d go after them and kill her and her children. It was a perpetual threat. I never liked being in their home when he was around. Consequently, he denies he was ever violent.
I wouldn’t be surprised if she lawyered up but I also wouldn’t be surprised if charges are dropped or she cooperates with LE for her freedom and her children. I can’t help but sense she was a prisoner in her own life. I don’t want draw conclusions about Naomi until we know her story.
Not to be glib, but I am hearing more people afraid of her temper than of Donnie.
I can’t speak to what has occurred between these two, but I can say that under no set of circumstances does this woman deserve anyone’s benefit of the doubt. I realize because I will not state case sensitive information to back that up that anyone can absolutely take my comment as opinion, but you know I will when I can.
And I will. Ms. Jones has no business parenting small children, and I absolutely believe she is a POI in relation to an aspect of this case. As evidenced by her mad dash to her Mother’s today in the middle of CPS investigation, and mostly other thngs I cannot publish.
Not a fan of Ms. Jones.
B
Please tell me the rumors I’m hearing that he made bond aren’t true.
Not true. He is a guest at the 3 Hots and A Cot Extended Stay Inn.
B
B,
If Taylor has NO desire to try this case, or any other for that matter, why is he still around, voluntarily or not? Clearly, this man does not like his job. Can he not resign or are the perks just too good? Can he be forced to resign?
This is the height of laziness, selfishness and greed. Captain Obvious, am I?
@ B. How does a lawyer study and prepare years for that kind of job only to continually drag his feet. It makes no sense.
LOVE your fb pic. Just beautiful! xo <—– off topic
There is a measure of merit for a prosecutor to seek to not litigate a case, and seek a plea bargain as a general rule. He is burdened appropriately and the reality is if every criminal went to trial, the deluge of our court system would no longer match our supreme court statute or even come close.
The issue here is that imo, DA Taylor is not allowing a grand jury to hear evidence in a case, that means that under his duty, he has precluded he in good faith, does not feel he can conclude the case via a successful prosecution.
Since I know there is no basis for that – it begs the question.
Rumor??? Another person said they called the jail and that he is still there…will keep checking.
What business does someone with no interest and zero experience in trying high profile forensic cases have in being a District Attorney? Can’t the AG’s office come in and try it? I hope there are formal Bar complaints if Taylor allows any type of plea short of life in prison without parole.
Dear Blink,
Here in WI the relationships with inmates are taken more seriously than in TN. I’m only including the link because I know you’re a stickler for proof even if the news is so far away and not relevant to the case/thread at hand. Yes, I am the queen of run-on sentences.
Sex With Inmate
A 34-year-old Beaver Dam woman plead no contest this week to having sex with an inmate while she was a corrections officer at Waupun Correctional. Three other felony charges brought against Jolene Mason were read into the record and dismissed. Prison officials were tipped about the relationship between Mason and an inmate. Letters were intercepted and investigators found out she brought a cell phone, food, jewelry, tattoo ink and needles to him. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for November 13th.
http://www.kfiz.com/news.php
On a little more personal note-
Blink, you are an amazing woman for many reasons. The personal tid-bits that you guardedly share with us in your ‘BOC’ learning blog give us all a glimpse of the woman you are. Your Mama smiles from Heaven for you always but today the smile is big enough to light up the universe.
You put so very much into this particular case (and others) at a time when you were in a state of grief over your very very deep loss. That speaks volumes to us even though I can only speak for myself. I know in the past I’ve stated that I’m not able to offer more than my prayers and that is still the case. Still, I follow along and on occasion can add a bit of encouragement.
May You continue to be Blessed always . . .
♥ Paula J
Thank you kindly Miss Paula. I like to think My Mom drives the bus on occasion, even from above.
ALthough, under no set of circumstances would I ever allow her to drive a real bus, lol.
B
Connie- are you reachable at the email addy you logged on with?
B
Definately a rumor…not true.
kat says:
September 28, 2012 at 12:14 pm
Kelly addressed this ‘rumour mill’ on Megan’s FB peace page. She made it very clear rumours would not be tolerated and that she would verify facts or provide them as they come up.
Kelly is a warrior. Her voice is larger than life and I trust, she’ll set records straight.
This was posted on Meg’s FB page:
I want to go on record stating that I started no rumors. I was contacted by a law enforcement person who received a report (which I have a copy of) showing in black and white that DJ was on the bonded list, including who bonded him. That LE person asked me to share that information so he didn’t lose his job by doing so…he was concerned for the other young women in Tullahoma. I trusted that source and did as I was asked. This person does not know why he appeared on a bonded report when later it was found that he was still in jail. I have no problem stating what happened and why. But, I have never been guilty, nor will I ever be, of “starting rumors just to start stuff.” I am a parent who has lost a child near Megan’s age, so I’ve been down that road of grief, pain and loss. I have done nothing but support the efforts for justice for Megan. But, you can rest assured that I will not be posting anything at all on this case from this day forward. I will continue to pray that justice is done and for peace and healing.
Can someone please provide a description or a link to a photo of Naomi J. ? Thank you.
http://www.facebook.com/N.J0N3S?ref=ts&fref=ts
B
Who has a picture of Naomi?
I wanna see her.
She scattered during an actual CPS investigation? Bitch.
I’ve said it before, there seriously needs to be a set of tests one should be mandated to pass before allowed to reproduce.
Y’all know the rumors going around are hurting Kelly’s heart.
Stop it.
Btw. Notice Taylor wasn’t on the news? The ADA was. Lol.
B, Melissa K Hand had posted that earlier, as she had received the info from a police officer who didn’t want to get in trouble for stating it himself. She since has posted that she was incorrect in the statement. She actually posted the appology on the Peace For Megan. FB page.
Thank you, I am aware. I wish to caution people about making such statements, even if they are well intentioned of course.
This family, and frankly Mr. Jones’s family and previous victims, are on high alert. When someone posts something that then takes the rest of us hours to unravel as incorrect, although we are all on the notification before he would even appear before a judge, it is unsettling and puts those who had a modicum of peace for a day, at hyper-vigilince mode.
I am so appreciative and respectful of locals posting information to maintain awareness, so I want to be clear, I do not think there was malice, I personally would never post something as fact on FB when I had the phone number of several people that would know if it was fact, but were not called to verify.
If it is not clear what a stressed out and scared-fatigued radius this community is, I promise you, I have never seen anything like it.
This miscreant and anyone who helped him are domestic terrorists as far as I am concerned.
When the brutal facts of this case become known, I have great concerns.
B
Just had to chime in here to speak my mind about women like Mrs Jones, Donnie’s current wife. I personally don’t know her from Adam..but in the many cases I have followed I know her kind. There are women who are just as evil and diabolical as the men they hang with..let’s say they enjoy the same evils and have no problem..and even delight… in pushing those evils on another woman. And they also enjoy being the bringer of the lamb to slaughter.
Just look at Christine Sheddy’s murder case and you will find that the woman, Tia Johnson, who pretended to be her friend had no problem helping with her murder, cleaning it up and helping with disposing of the body. And by all accounts never lost a moments sleep nor stopped loving her murdering man. Of course we are still waiting patiently for her day in court ..but it is coming..it has been delayed,,but it is coming.
I know, right. The Tia’s of the world who will risk their own children for scumbags, and in Christine’s case, help out.
I do not get it.
B
he is not in jail for the murder…he is in jail for having a gun… that means they still dont have enough to charge him with it.. everyone is putting the DA down for not getting him.. the DA has to know and prove facts.. if he does one thing wrong this sick bastard could walk free.. and i for one dont want him on the streets around my family so give the DA a break and stand behind him and let him do his job..im sure im gonna get jumped on for saying what i have said.. but i dont care..all you people do is attack people on here.. or talk bad about anything that you can find..and as for T.G. being a accessory.. dont you think someone has to be found that they even done the crime before you can start saying who helped do it.. wake up people this aint la la land………………………….
You are correct for now, but as I know you are devoted friend of Gifford’s, and I can respect your opinion when presented respectfully, but then you also know that Gifford told LE where to find the gun.
Among other things.
I stand behind my assertion that Timmy Gifford is an accessory or worse. And furthermore, if the evidence points to a person being involved, or onscene, nobody gives a rats ass who did what because they are equally culpable under the law. He was there, same charge. That is what is going on here.
Ask him yourself.
I am hearing DA Taylor is having a change of heart these days. Interesting that you came on to defend him.
B
I’m glad like so many others that Mr.Jones is off the streets. At least i’m not scared to go into Wal-mart or any other place in Tullahoma now. But i do have a question, should the people of Tullahoma be scared of TG??
If it is not clear what a stressed out and scared-fatigued radius this community is, I promise you, I have never seen anything like it.
This miscreant and anyone who helped him are domestic terrorists as far as I am concerned.
When the brutal facts of this case become known, I have great concerns.
B
~~~~~~~~
This is exactly what makes Taylor’s lack of movement in this case all the more deplorable. He kept an entire community held hostage while this POS roamed free.
Several of the recent news stories mention a bond hearing scheduled for Oct. 1st. What is the purpose of this hearing? Could it be that someone is trying to post his bond, and the hearing is to confirm that the source of the bond money is not from criminal activity?
His bond has been set, if a separate motion for bond reduction was filed it will not be granted and is not on the docket. His arraignment if not waived is likely the source.
B
SJS… says:
September 28, 2012 at 8:44 pm
Considering this a victim’s advocate site, we’re all about Megan and being a voice for the Sharptons.
They’re the real victims. Pardon us for wanting justice for the murder of a young, beautiful girl who should have had a long full life. I can only imagine the torment Megan’s family feels, with this case stalling all b/c the DA doesn’t want to rock a very steady boat.
This isn’t about you or being attacked.
This isn’t about TG…but if you feel so compelled, start a blog for his advocacy. That’s where your posts belong; not on Megan’s thread.
WHNT’s website has video interviewing the Sheriff. He indicated a) evidence thought to relate to case was removed from Mr. J’s home and b) Mr. J has said he would like to speak with LE. Is that evidence something other than weapon? Why would he want to speak with them? Surely he wouldn’t confess would he? Could he implicate others? Could he do so and make a deal where if his wife is involved, she remains free because of children? My prayers for Megan’s family and the entire community. I hope everyone takes away something from this senseless, savage murder: the love and strength of a devoted Mom, the determination and power of an entire community – including local Law Enforcement, how Megan’s short life has touched so many and of course, the countless hours you have spent in seeking answers/justice. Thank you, Blink.
I do not think for 10 seconds this man would not implicate his wife, dog, infant, front yard tree, in any crime he committed. There was evidence directly related to the case removed from the home that only someone who had come into contact with Meg the evening of July 1st would have. Fact, and uninterpretable as to some other BS I have heard spewed in relation to the forensics in this case.
I cannot be more specific right now to continue to keep the integrity of the case, but if I were Naomi Jones, I would be very concerned that I was about to become a suspect as an accessory before or after the fact in Megan’s murder. AND I would be even more concerned that Donnie would be pointing the finger at her directly. He is not the kind of man to put his kids first, he is the kind of man that if he is going to be stuck in the joint, he does not want his wife on the outside joining the dating pool.
I predict he will do everything he can to implicate her, and since she has fled the region, I bet she does too. Y’all have heard my thoughts on the Mrs ad nauseum.
B
Have considered that, sent to LE early August.
B
It’s my opinion that Mrs. Jones is the one who orchestrated and put the crime into action.
Well I do not know that there is any basis for that, but she most definitely had information prior to the discovery of Megan’s remains at a minimum, and most definitely was aware of Donnie involvement.
Additional evidence or not, guilty or not (which in my opinion he is and her too) he is off the streets. Thank God! He is pure evil and does not deserve freedom nor the ability to continue his threats and harassment of the Sharptons or anyone else. And if TG had any involvement in the murder or attempted disposal of the victims body his best bet is to be more than helpful to LE to make sure that Donnie M.F’n. Jones (as he likes to refer to himself) stays where he needs to be. I don’t know TG personally & I am by no means defending him or anyone else who had a hand in this, but I am grateful for the gun tip that led LE to e able to get him off of our streets.
I understand Blink – I just cannot get past the ficticious job offer that came directly for Naomi. That was the first step that lured Meg.
Now we know there was no job, we know Meg was lured. I just feel Naomi had the ax to grind. Don’t know the why… Did Meg say something that tee’d her off, did Meg decline to do something, did Naomi want her homework done. Naomi pisses and moans to her felon husband about it. He decides to take care of it. I just can’t get past her being the key.
Who can Tennessee sentence to death?
Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-13-202(a) defines first-degree murder as:
(1) A premeditated and intentional killing of another; (2) A killing of another committed in the
perpetration of or attempt to perpetrate any first-degree murder, arson, rape, robbery, burglary, theft,
kidnapping, aggravated child abuse, aggravated child neglect or aircraft piracy; or (3) A killing of
another committed as the result of the unlawful throwing, placing or discharging of a destructive
device or bomb.
He will definatley qualify IMO…Maybe his thinking is, let’s snitch on everyone to avoid the death penalty and get a life sentence. Then, escape, just like before. Very hard, if not impossible, to escape from Death Row.
@fl girl, I agree naomi is the key.
Naomi is the key?
She wanted her husband to murder Megan….because….she supports him being a killing raping machine? DJ has never needed anyone to orchestrate his opportunities. He’s proven to be a skilled independent. Her role in this case perplexes me and we have zero to go on other than she was married to a freak of nature and a friend. I’d consider she ‘facilitated’ the oppty. Orchestration is solely the killer/s. No matter how you slice this, it makes zero sense WHY she’d support her husband’s wicked addictions. I’m not making any excuses for her. I just don’t understand this mentality. I don’t understand what would be in it for her and her children to be an accomplice.
Regardless, if true, and she was a more than willing accomplice, they’re psychopathic soul mates.
No matter what, the children come first and may they be in a safe place now. Is DCF involved….yet?
Naomi Jones has fled Tullahoma? I read that correctly?