Kimberly Kessler wants murder conviction tossed, claims thereโs no proof Joleen Cummings is dead
Kimberly Kessler, who is serving a life sentence for killing her former co-worker, Joleen Cummings, is asking for her murder conviction to be thrown out.
Attorneys for Kimberly Kessler petition appeals court to throw out murder conviction
Lawyers for Kimberly Kessler are asking a higher court to throw out her conviction in the murder of her hair salon coworker, Joleen Cummings.
Convicted killer Kimberly Kesslerโs lawyers want to question jurors, citing News4JAX interview
Lawyers for convicted killer Kimberly Kessler suggest in a new court filing that her conviction was a โmiscarriage of justice which warrants a new trial.โ
โThey know sheโs in heaven being looked afterโ: Joleen Cummingsโ husband speaks publicly for 1st time
As families around the world make plans for Motherโs Day Sunday, the family of 34-year-old mother of three Joleen Cummings will experience yet another without her.
Notice of appeal filed in 1st-degree murder conviction of Kimberly Kessler
A public defender has signed a notice of appeal in the first-degree murder conviction of Kimberly Kessler, who was sentenced to life in prison for the killing of 34-year-old Joleen Cummings.
Kimberly Kessler transferred to prison after being sentenced to life for murder
Early Friday morning, Kimberly Kessler was transferred out of the Nassau County jail to begin her life sentence at the womenโs prison in Ocala for the murder of 34-year-old Joleen Cummings.
Timeline: Kimberly Kesslerโs arrest, investigation into death of Joleen Cummings
After just over an hour of deliberations, Kimberly Kessler on Thursday was found guilty of first-degree murder in the death of Joleen Cummings, her co-worker at the Tangles hair salon in Nassau County.
Mother of Joleen Cummings shares message for daughterโs convicted killer
Minutes after she got the justice she had been praying for in the 3ยฝ years following the disappearance of her 34-year-old daughter, Ann Johnson offered a message for her daughterโs killer.
Kimberly Kesslerโs trail of faces, names ... and deaths?
Digging through the hundreds of pages of evidence in the murder case against Kimberly Kessler in the presumed death of Joleen Cummings, the question is raised: Could Kessler have killed before?
Kimberly Kessler found guilty of 1st-degree murder in death of Joleen Cummings
A jury on Thursday found Kimberly Kessler guilty of first-degree murder in the death of her Nassau County salon co-worker Joleen Cummings.
โJustice for Joleenโ: Mother awaits outcome of murder trial for daughterโs accused killer
More than 3ยฝ years after she last saw her 34-year-old daughter, Anne Johnson is still praying for justice.
Closing arguments in Kimberly Kessler murder trial to begin Thursday morning
Testimony concluded Wednesday morning in the murder trial of Kimberly Kessler, whoโs accused of killing her Nassau County salon co-worker Joleen Cummings.
Kimberly Kessler again removed as witness testimony continues in murder trial
Judge James Daniel again gave Kimberly Kessler a chance to participate in the courtroom during her murder trial -- an effort which lasted less than a minute Tuesday morning.
Witnesses take stand in Kimberly Kessler trial, including mom of Joleen Cummings
Prosecutors showed a timeline Monday in the Nassau County Courthouse, highlighting Kimberly Kesslerโs purchases and internet searches, as well as surveillance video, in the days surrounding 34-year-old mother of three Joleen Cummingsโ disappearance in 2018.
Motion requests Kimberly Kesslerโs trial not be delayed should she be absent during hearing
A day after jury selection began in Kimberly Kesslerโs trial, and following another outburst that had her promptly removed from the courtroom, a motion was filed by the state of Florida requesting a jury instruction.
Kimberly Kessler escorted out of courtroom again as jury selection begins in murder trial
Jury selection started Monday morning in the Nassau County Courthouse in the murder trial for Kimberly Kessler who is accused of killing a mother of three in 2018.
Kesslerโs attorneys suggest new theory surrounding Cummingsโ disappearance
A new motion by lawyers for Kimberly Kessler, who is accused of killing her co-worker Joleen Cummings, suggests Cummings could have become โphysically violentโ with Kessler in an ongoing dispute over drugs in the Tangles Hair Salon in Nassau County where both women worked.
Kesslerโs attorneys file change of venue motion claiming โpervasive pretrial publicityโ
Defense attorneys for Kimberly Kessler, the woman whoโs charged with killing Joleen Cummings -- her coworker at a Nassau County hair salon -- have filed a change of venue motion ahead of her trial, which is slated to begin jury selection on Dec. 6.
Kimberly Kessler murder trial on track for jury selection Dec. 6
A day after denying a defense motion to suppress evidence, including the purchase of an electric knife, Judge James Daniel also denied a motion from Kimberly Kesslerโs attorney to have her undergo another mental competency evaluation.
Judge admits key evidence, including purchase of electric knife, in Kimberly Kessler trial
The judge in the murder trial of Kimberly Kessler, who is accused of killing her co-worker Joleen Cummings, has denied a defense motion to suppress evidence the state says is crucial to understanding how Cummings died.
Judge grants 16 defense motions to suppress evidence in Kimberly Kesslerโs trial
Nassau County Judge James Daniel has granted 16 defense motions to suppress evidence in the trial of Kimberly Kessler, who is accused of killing her co-worker Joleen Cummings.
Prosecutors accuse Kimberly Kessler of using electric carving knife on Joleen Cummingsโ body
An electric carving knife is considered by the state as crucial evidence in the murder of Joleen Cummings, but will the jury hear about it?
Kimberly Kessler disrupts another court hearing as judge aims to proceed with December trial
The judge presiding over the Nassau County murder case against Kimberly Kessler, who is accused of killing her co-worker Joleen Cummings, is determined to proceed with a December trial, even as the defense files more motions challenging aspects of the stateโs case.
State wants to know what weapon was used to kill Joleen Cummings
Itโs been more than three years since Joleen Cummings, a Nassau County mother, was last seen. And although sheโs presumed dead, her remains still havenโt been located.
Attorneys want to know what weapon was used to kill Joleen Cummings
Itโs been more than three years since Joleen Cummings, a Nassau County mother, was last seen. And although sheโs presumed dead, her remains still havenโt been located.
Judge denies all defense motions to suppress evidence in Kimberly Kessler trial
A judge has denied all motions filed by Kimberly Kesslerโs defense to suppress evidence in her trial in the murder of Joleen Cummings, her co-worker at a Nassau County salon.
Judge rules (again) that accused killer Kimberly Kessler is competent to stand trial
A Nassau County judge again ruled that Kimberly Kessler is competent to stand trial for murder in the 2018 death of her co-worker, Joleen Cummings.
Family marks 3 years since Nassau County mom Joleen Cummings last seen alive
For the family and friends of Joleen Cummings, Wednesday is a day filled with grief and reflection. It marks three years since the Nassau County mother of three was last seen alive.
โNot afraid of going to hellโ: Kimberly Kessler again refuses food as she awaits murder trial
As Kessler waits for trial, records obtained by News4Jax show sheโs in protest of being in jail and is refusing food.
Kimberly Kessler refuses mental evaluation hearing, promises to โput on a showโ if forced to
Two attempts to re-examine Kimberly Kesslerโs mental capacity have failed, News4Jax learned Thursday.
Another mental evaluation ordered for Kimberly Kessler
Yet another mental competency examination has been ordered for Kimberly Kessler, the woman accused of murdering her coworker at a Nassau County hair salon, News4Jax learned Thursday.
Kimberly Kessler Tasered after throwing feces on officers at jail, report shows
A woman awaiting trial in the murder of her Nassau County salon co-worker is facing new charges after authorities said she threw feces on corrections officers at the jail.
Judge sets August trial date for Kimberly Kessler in 2018 murder of Joleen Cummings
Nassau County Judge James Daniel on Thursday set Aug. 16 for Kimberly Kesslerโs trial in the 2018 murder of Joleen Cummings. The judge set an all-day motion hearing for March 19, and the judge prefers that to be virtual. Kessler is charged with killing Cummings, her coworker at a Yulee hair salon. AdKessler, who has been going on episodes of starvation and binge eating, was just 74 pounds when she appeared before the judge in October. The judge found Kesslerโs behavior was not driven by mental illness but a personality disorder.
Defense seeking to have evidence in Kimberly Kessler case thrown out
YULEE, Fla. โ Four motions were filed Wednesday to suppress evidence in the case of Kimberly Kessler, the woman charged with killing her coworker at a hair salon in Yulee. Kesslerโs attorneys claim that Kessler was located through unlawful use of cellphone site technology, and that any evidence gathered as a result of the detention in St. Johns County should be suppressed. Her attorneys say that statements Kessler made to St. Johns County deputies should be suppressed because she was questioned before she was read her Miranda rights. They say statements she made at the St. Johns County Jail should also be suppressed, saying they were the fruit of an unlawful arrest. An emergency order from the Nassau County Sheriffโs Office in September requested guidance from a judge, saying Kessler was refusing to eat and wouldnโt accept any medical treatment.
Kimberly Kessler could go on trial next May
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ The woman accused of killing her co-worker at a Yulee hair salon, Kimberly Kessler, appeared by video Thursday before the same judge who ruled Monday that she is competent to stand trial. At Thursdayโs hearing, Kessler asked for a new lawyer, claiming one of her court-appointed lawyers is related to the victim, Joleen Cummings -- a charge her lead lawyer said wasnโt true. Circuit Judge James Daniel denied the request and tentatively set her first-degree murder trial for May 2021. At that point, Kessler started yelling and was removed from the viewing room in the jail. Defense lawyer Teresa Sopp said she is preparing motions to suppress some of the evidence against Kessler and to request a change of venue.
Court says Kimberly Kessler still competent for trial
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ After conducting an evidentiary hearing and reviewing expert reports, a court has determined that Kimberly Kessler, a woman whoโs charged with killing her coworker at a Nassau County hair salon, remains competent to stand trial. The decision comes as Kessler remains behind bars in the Nassau County Jail. During the hearing, Kessler was removed from view after she yelled an expletive about the public defenderโs office. On the Zoom hearing, Kessler could still be heard yelling and cursing in the background. A deputy came back and told the court that Kessler did not want to be represented by the public defender.
Judge dismisses Kimberly Kessler emergency petition
On Tuesday, News4Jax learned that the trial judge dismissed the petition. The Sheriffโs Office said in the petition to the trial judge that Kessler is trying to kill herself by starvation. The Sheriffโs Office told the judge that jail medical staff didnโt have the resources to force feed Kessler. Because the judge in March found Kessler competent to stand trial, the Sheriffโs Office was asking for a precedent-setting ruling from the judge. The State Attorneyโs Office responded, saying that since Kessler was declared competent, the petition should be denied.
74 lb. Kimberly Kessler yells, curses during competency hearing
Kessler charged in 2018 murder of Joleen Cummings, co-worker at Tangles Hair Salon. If you need help with WJXTโs or WCWJ's FCC public inspection file, call (904) 393-9801.
74 lb. Kimberly Kessler yells, curses during competency hearing
On the Zoom hearing, Kessler could still be heard yelling and cursing in the background. A deputy came back and told the court that Kessler did not want to be represented by the public defender. Daniel said he would not grant Kessler a hearing for a change of lawyer. After the hearing, Anne Johnson, Joleen Cummings' mother, issued the following statement:โJustice delayed is justice denied. Kessler is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Joleen Cummings, a 34-year-old mother of three.
Petition: 89-pound Kimberly Kessler could starve self to death
NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. โ Kimberly Kessler, the woman charged with murdering her coworker that was a stylist at a Nassau County hair salon, is refusing to eat and wonโt accept any medical treatment, according to an emergency petition obtained Wednesday by News4Jax. The petition, filed by Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper, says Kessler is trying to kill herself by starvation. Because a judge in March found Kessler competent to stand trial, the Sheriffโs Office is asking for a precedent-setting ruling from the judge. Kessler is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Joleen Cummings, a 34-year-old mother of three. Kessler was arrested May 16 after investigators said they found footage showing her getting out of the vehicle.
Judge orders Kimberly Kessler to have mental competency review
NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. โ A judge has once again ordered a mental competency review of Kimberly Kessler, the woman charged with first-degree murder in the death of her coworker at a Nassau County hair salon. The order was made after an attorney filed an emergency motion Wednesday, which stated that Kessler, who has been in the Nassau County Jail, had refused to eat for 56 days. The motion also stated that Kessler apparently refused to take medication that she was prescribed. Blair told News4Jax that she didnโt recognize Kessler, but noticed she was eating. Kessler refused to eat after she was first arrested in 2018 and transferred to the Duval County jail.
Document: After 56 day hunger strike, Kimberly Kessler in danger of losing her life
Kimberly Kessler is charged with first-degree murder in the the death of Joleen Cummings, a 34-year-old mother of three, at Tangles Hair Salon. Joleen CummingsThe court document dated Wednesday, filed by counsel representing Kessler, is an emergency renewed suggestion of mental incompetence to proceed. The document states that Kessler, who has been in the Nassau County Jail, has refused to eat for 56 days, and that she had apparently been Baker Acted. The document states states that Kessler was apparently prescribed medication during her hospitalization, but that when she returned to jail, she refused to take the medication. Kessler was arrested May 16 after investigators said they found footage showing her getting out of the vehicle.
Kimberly Kessler calls attorney 'piece of garbage,' wants her...
Kimberly Kessler was supposed to be in court for a competency hearing but instead informed Judge James Daniel that she wants different representation. When Daniel asked her why, Kessler said she'd told the staff at Florida State Hospital why but refused to explain further. For now, Daniel made no ruling on Kessler's competence, and she remains committed to Florida State Hospital. Last month, staff at the hospital found Kessler "is competent to proceed and no longer meets criteria for continued involuntary commitment." Florida State Hospital was the facility tasked with "restoring" Kessler's competency.
Hospital says Kimberly Kessler is competent to stand trial
Kimberly Kessler, who is charged with murdering Joleen Cummings, was ruled not competent to stand trial July 2 after a state-appointed psychologist agreed with the opinion previously given by a psychiatrist for Kessler's defense. Florida State Hospital was the facility tasked with "restoring" Kessler's competency. "It's a little surprising as quickly hospital staff came back based upon whatever medication she is now on is competent to stand trial," said Gene Nichols, an attorney who is not affiliated with the case. It will be up to a judge to decide if Kessler's trial can move forward. We are in a storm and the storm isn't over with," Johnson told News4Jax on July 2 after Kessler was deemed incompetent to stand trial and was ordered to be sent to Florida State Hospital in Chattahoochee.
Deputies: Human skull, bones found in wooded area of Nassau County
NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. - An apparent human skull and bones were discovered last week in a wooded area between Callahan and Hilliard, according to a Nassau County Sheriff's Office report. His case is one the 10 open missing persons cases in the county. According to the Sheriff's Office, it appeared they had been there quite some time. Silcox told News4Jax that her son-in-law was one of the corrections officers who found the bones. Leeper told News4Jax on Tuesday that the remains were not believed to be those of Joleen Cummings, a 34-year-old Nassau County mother of three who disappeared in May 2018.
Psychiatrist: Kimberly Kessler's prognosis 'poor without medication'
According to a psychiatric evaluation, Mhatre spoke with Kessler while her attorneys were present for about 30 minutes before Kessler left the session. While attempting to communicate further with Kessler, Mhatre wrote that Kessler began ignoring him and continued talking with her attorneys. According to Mhatre's evaluation, Kessler confirmed she was facing a murder charge and accused of stealing a vehicle. In his summary, Mhatre wrote Kessler "clearly showed some delusions and paranoid thinking." Mhatre said Kessler's overall prognosis is poor without medication, but he wrote that he believes if she is appropriately treated that she could eventually become competent to proceed.
Kimberly Kessler transferred to Florida State Hospital
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The woman charged with murder in the disappearance of a Nassau County mother of three has been moved into state custody for treatment. Kimberly Kessler, whos accused of killing 34-year-old Joleen Cummings, was committed July 23 to Florida State Hospital in Chattahoochee to restore competency.Kessler was found not competent to stand trial July 2 by a state-appointed psychologist, who agreed with the opinion previously given by a psychiatrist for Kesslers defense. She will undergo treatment at the hospital under the supervision of the Department of Children and Families. Cummings, who worked at Tangles hair salon in Yulee, has been missing since May 2018. Her co-worker, Kessler, is believed to be the last person to see her alive.