65º
wjxt logo
    • News
    • Watch Live
    • Local News
    • Florida
    • Georgia
    • National
    • Coronavirus
    • FluVaxJax
    • Your Voice Matters
    • Politics
    • I-Team
    • Trust Index
    • Community
    • SnapJAX
    • Health
    • Money
    • Education
    • Consumer
    • Entertainment
    • Weird News
    • Weather
    • Weather News
    • SnapJAX
    • Skycams
    • Alerts
    • Hurricanes
    • Plan and Prepare
    • Georgia
    • St. Augustine
    • Surf and Tides
    • Environment
    • Forecasting Change
    • News4JAX+
    • Watch Live
    • News4JAX Insider
    • How To Watch News4JAX+
    • The Morning Show
    • River City Live
    • This Week In Jacksonville
    • Solutionaries
    • Something Good
    • TV Listings
    • Sports
    • Sports Videos
    • Jaguars
    • Jaguars Stats
    • News4JAGS Podcast
    • Gators Breakdown
    • Gators Stats
    • Football Friday
    • V4rsity Podcast
    • All Star Athlete
    • Features
    • News4JAX Insider
    • Positively JAX
    • River City Live
    • Deals4JAX
    • News4JAX+
    • Look Local
    • 4 Your Info
    • Travel
    • Black History Month
    • Healthy Heart
    • Valentine's Day
    • Podcasts
    • Community Calendar
    • Jacksonville Image Awards
    • Food & Recipes
    • Live Healthy
    • Contests
    • Talking Health
    • Pets
    • uSay Voting
    • CW17
    • CW Program Guide
    • Bounce
    • Traffic
    • SnapJAX
    • Skycams
    • Jax Best
    • Food
    • Activities
    • Shopping
    • Places
    • Newsletters
    • Sign Up For Newsletters
    • Contact
    • Careers at WJXT/WCWJ
    • SnapJAX
    • Meet the Team
    • Advertise with us
  • News
  • Weather
  • News4JAX+
  • Sports
  • Features
  • CW17
  • Traffic
  • Jax Best
  • Newsletters
  • Contact
News4JAX.com
  • News
  • Weather
  • News4JAX+
  • Sports
  • Features
  • CW17
  • Traffic
  • Jax Best
  • Newsletters
  • Contact
  • LIVE

Watch The 10 O'Clock News

The day's top local, national and international stories plus breaking news, weather and sports brought to you by the News4JAX team.

A river flood warning in effect for Brantley County

See the complete list

LIVE

Watch The 10 O'Clock News

A river flood warning in effect for Brantley County

KIMBERLY KESSLER


Convicted killer Kimberly Kessler’s 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 “miscarriage of justice which warrants a new trial.”

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 women’s prison in Ocala for the murder of 34-year-old Joleen Cummings.

‘Never-ending nightmare’: Joleen Cummings’ mother shares family’s grief as killer sentenced to life

Kimberly Kessler was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole Thursday in the murder of her hair salon co-worker, Joleen Cummings.

Kimberly Kessler to be sentenced Thursday in Joleen Cummings’ killing

Kimberly Kessler is facing a mandatory punishment of life in prison when she’s sentenced Thursday for the murder of her hair salon co-worker Joleen Cummings.

Tristyn, an insurrection and convictions: The most memorable local stories of 2021

Every year in December, News4JAX takes a look back at some of the most memorable stories of the past 12 months.

Juror: DNA, internet searches & attempt to clean crime scene sealed Kimberly Kessler’s fate

A juror from the Kimberly Kessler trial speaking out.

Kimberly Kessler’s attorneys file motion for new trial

Lawyers for Kimberly Kessler, the woman found guilty of first-degree murder in the death of her Nassau County salon co-worker, has filed a motion for a new trial.

Timeline: Kimberly Kessler’s 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 daughter’s convicted killer

Minutes after she got the justice she had been praying for in the 3½ years following the disappearance of her 34-year-old daughter, Ann Johnson offered a message for her daughter’s killer.

Kimberly Kessler’s 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.

‘Justice for Joleen’: Mother awaits outcome of murder trial for daughter’s accused killer

More than 3½ years after she last saw her 34-year-old daughter, Anne Johnson is still praying for justice.

Kimberly Kessler outbursts: The multiple times she’s disrupted the court

The shouting is nothing new. It has been going on for years. News4Jax found the first time Kessler shouted the accusation was on Nov. 7, 2019.

Closing arguments in Kimberly Kessler murder trial to begin Thursday morning

Testimony concluded Wednesday morning in the murder trial of Kimberly Kessler, who’s 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 Kessler’s purchases and internet searches, as well as surveillance video, in the days surrounding 34-year-old mother of three Joleen Cummings’ disappearance in 2018.

Jury picked in Kimberly Kessler murder trial; Opening statements begin Monday

A jury has been selected in the murder trial of Kimberly Kessler, a Nassau County woman accused of killing a mother of three in 2018.

Motion requests Kimberly Kessler’s trial not be delayed should she be absent during hearing

A day after jury selection began in Kimberly Kessler’s 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.

Jury selection starts in Kimberly Kessler murder trial

Jury selection is set to begin Monday in the murder trial of Kimberly Kessler, the woman accused of killing her co-worker at a Nassau County hair salon in 2019.

Kessler’s attorneys suggest new theory surrounding Cummings’ disappearance

A new motion by lawyers for Kimberly Kessler, who is accused of killing her co-worker Joleen Cummings, suggests Cummings could have become “physically violent” with Kessler in an ongoing dispute over drugs in the Tangles Hair Salon in Nassau County where both women worked.

Kessler’s attorneys file change of venue motion claiming ‘pervasive pretrial publicity’

Defense attorneys for Kimberly Kessler, the woman who’s 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 Kessler’s 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 Kessler’s 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 Cummings’ 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 state’s case.

State wants to know what weapon was used to kill Joleen Cummings

It’s been more than three years since Joleen Cummings, a Nassau County mother, was last seen. And although she’s presumed dead, her remains still haven’t been located.

Attorneys want to know what weapon was used to kill Joleen Cummings

It’s been more than three years since Joleen Cummings, a Nassau County mother, was last seen. And although she’s presumed dead, her remains still haven’t been located.

Judge denies all defense motions to suppress evidence in Kimberly Kessler trial

A judge has denied all motions filed by Kimberly Kessler’s defense to suppress evidence in her trial in the murder of Joleen Cummings, her co-worker at a Nassau County salon.

Kimberly Kessler has another outburst in court during motion hearing

A motion hearing is underway Wednesday for Kimberly Kessler, who is accused of killing her co-worker Joleen Cummings in Nassau County.

Defense asks judge to submit questionnaire to potential jurors in Kimberly Kessler trial

Defense lawyers have filed another flurry of motions in Nassau County court in the trial of Kimberly Kessler, the woman charged with first-degree murder in the May 2018 disappearance of her salon coworker, Joleen Cummings, whose body has never been located.

Kimberly Kessler’s trial in murder of Joleen Cummings pushed back

Kimberly Kessler’s trial in the 2018 murder of her co-worker Joleen Cummings, set for next month, has been pushed back until December.

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.

Psychologist finds Kimberly Kessler not competent to stand trial, again

A psychologist who conducted a mental competency evaluation on Kimberly Kessler told a judge Thursday morning she is not competent to stand trial.

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.

‘Not afraid of going to hell’: Kimberly Kessler again refuses food as she awaits murder trial

As Kessler waits for trial, records obtained by News4Jax show she’s in protest of being in jail and is refusing food.

Kimberly Kessler refuses mental evaluation hearing, promises to ‘put on a show’ if forced to

Two attempts to re-examine Kimberly Kessler’s 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 Kessler’s 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 Kessler’s behavior was not driven by mental illness but a personality disorder.

Kimberly Kessler’s lawyers want more evidence thrown out

NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. – Lawyers for Kimberly Kessler have filed another motion to have physical evidence in her Nassau County murder case thrown out. Kessler is charged in the death of her co-worker Joleen Cummings in 2018, who she worked with at Tangles Hair Salon. A search warrant allowed investigators to seize as evidence the clothes Kessler was wearing, fingernail scrapings and to do a gunshot residue test on her hands. It wasn’t clear at the time, but Nassau County investigators say they had already found blood evidence inside the Tangles Salon where it’s believed Cummings was killed. While the warrant sought a gunshot residue test on Kessler’s hands, there’s never been any suggestion in court documents that Cummings was shot to death.

Defense seeking to have evidence in Kimberly Kessler case thrown out

YULEE, Fla. – 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. Kessler’s 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 Sheriff’s Office in September requested guidance from a judge, saying Kessler was refusing to eat and wouldn’t accept any medical treatment.

Kimberly Kessler could go on trial next May

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – 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 Thursday’s 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 wasn’t 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. – After conducting an evidentiary hearing and reviewing expert reports, a court has determined that Kimberly Kessler, a woman who’s 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 defender’s 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 Sheriff’s Office said in the petition to the trial judge that Kessler is trying to kill herself by starvation. The Sheriff’s Office told the judge that jail medical staff didn’t have the resources to force feed Kessler. Because the judge in March found Kessler competent to stand trial, the Sheriff’s Office was asking for a precedent-setting ruling from the judge. The State Attorney’s 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 WJXT’s 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:“Justice 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. – Kimberly Kessler, the woman charged with murdering her coworker that was a stylist at a Nassau County hair salon, is refusing to eat and won’t 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 Sheriff’s 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.

  • TV Listings
  • Contact Us
  • Email Newsletters
  • RSS Feeds
  • Contests and Rules
  • Closed Captioning / Audio Description
  • Careers at WJXT / WCWJ
  • Terms of Use
  • WJXT Public File
  • WCWJ Public File
  • FCC Applications
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
Follow Us
facebook
twitter
instagram
rss
Get Results with Omne
Omne Results Logo

If you need help with WJXT’s or WCWJ's FCC public inspection file, call (904) 393-9801.


Graham Media Group LogoGraham Digital Logo

Copyright © 2023 News4JAX.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings.