Disclaimer: This article contains mentions of murder. Reader discretion is advised.
See No Evil on ID investigates the tragic murder of hair salon employee Joleen Cummings and the subsequent capture of her assailant, Kimberly Kessler. The episode titled “She’s Fake” is set to air on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at 9 p.m. ET. The official synopsis details how in Fernandina Beach, Florida, Joleen Cummings disappeared after a work appointment, with CCTV footage later revealing her vehicle in a deserted parking lot at night, leading to an unexpected suspect.
Kimberly Kessler, now serving a life sentence, murdered Cummings in the very salon where they both worked. Prosecutors stated that Kessler, who had been living under a false identity, took drastic measures after Cummings threatened to uncover her true background. The heinous act occurred on May 12, 2018, at Tangles Hair Salon. Cummings’ family reported her missing two days later.
Detectives constructed a case against Kessler using extensive surveillance footage. Video evidence showed Kessler, using an alias, disposing of trash bags in a dumpster near the salon. Further footage from a nearby store captured Kessler purchasing cleaning supplies and an electric knife. In 2021, Kessler was convicted of first-degree murder.
Joleen Cummings Killer: Current Location of Kimberly Kessler
Records from the Florida Department of Corrections confirm Kimberly Kessler is currently housed at Lowell Correctional Institution. A jury found her guilty in December 2021 on multiple charges including first-degree murder and grand theft auto, resulting in a life sentence without the possibility of parole, along with an additional five years for the theft charge.
The investigation into Cummings’ disappearance initiated on May 14, 2018, after she failed to collect her children from her estranged husband. Authorities first spoke to the owner of Tangles Hair Salon, who indicated that Cummings was last seen on May 12, along with her co-worker, who was later identified as one of Kessler’s aliases.
At the time, the co-worker attempted to evade police inquiries, citing personal issues; however, her behavior raised suspicions. Investigators later discovered evidence connecting her to Cummings’ vehicle via surveillance footage.
Upon examining the salon, detectives uncovered significant blood evidence throughout the premises, which ultimately was confirmed to belong to Joleen Cummings. These findings further implicated the co-worker as the potential murderer.
Initially, the co-worker was arrested on theft charges while authorities analyzed more surveillance images. Footage revealed her disposing of black trash bags behind the salon and captured her buying incriminating supplies at a local store. Law enforcement suggested that the suspect committed an unspeakable act against Cummings and discarded her remains.
Critical DNA evidence linked Kessler to the crime, as she then revealed that she had been living under a string of false identities, with 18 aliases uncovered. Prosecutors theorized that the motive behind the murder was to conceal her deceit or perhaps to usurp Cummings’ clientele.
Following her arrest, Kessler exhibited erratic behavior in custody, including a hunger strike, yet psychological evaluations confirmed her competency for trial. Ultimately, a jury convicted her in December 2021, leading to her sentencing in January 2022.
Viewers can expect the detailed account of Joleen Cummings’ murder case this Wednesday on See No Evil.
