A Mother Seeks Answers In 1983 Murder Of Her Son

Current investigators in Pottawatomie County said they feel its their responsibility to solve a murder/kidnapping case even though it dates back decades. 

Friday, July 10th 2015, 5:39 pm

By: News 9


Current investigators in Pottawatomie County said they feel it’s their responsibility to solve a murder/kidnapping case even though it dates back decades. This week, the sheriff and undersheriff got a surprise visit from someone who gave them even more motivation to find out who murdered Paul Richard Jones in 1983.

Poring through papers, reports and files is part of Undersheriff’s Palmer’s job description as an investigator. But Monday, someone very close to an investigation showed up at the sheriff’s office to talk with him face-to-face about a case.

Paul Richard Jones’ mother came to Shawnee all the way from England to be reassured that law enforcement hadn’t forgotten about her son.

He was stabbed to death in his home when he was 20 years old in May of 1983. His wife Melody didn’t show up for work and her mother came to check on her, finding Paul’s body in their home near Earlsboro. Undersheriff Palmer said all of Melody’s personal belongings were still in the home and her vehicle was still outside. She has not been seen since.

“I’m convinced somebody out here knows something,” Undersheriff Palmer said.

And Jones’ mom made it her mission to find out who killed her son and what happened to her daughter-in-law. She wants justice before she dies.

“Ms. Jones is a very outspoken woman. And she does have her own opinions and her own theories,” he added. The victim’s mother and sister spent the entire day with investigators and returned home the next day.

According to Undersheriff Palmer, Ms. Jones has a terminal illness and wanted to make one last visit to speak with the fifth set of sheriff's investigators to lay eyes on this homicide.

In recent years, there has been some progress on the case. Investigators were able to rule out the possibility of two bodies found out of state. Both bodies were not Melody, DNA confirmed.

Since it’s been more than 30 years, Undersheriff Palmer said the guilt has got to eventually set in. So he hopes someone will come clean and give those involved the closure they deserve.

“Not for me but for Paul Jones’ mother before she dies, come give us that other piece of the puzzle,” he pleaded.

Investigators are also working on an age progression image of what Melody might look like now, since she is still considered a missing person.

logo

Get The Daily Update!

Be among the first to get breaking news, weather, and general news updates from News 9 delivered right to your inbox!

More Like This

July 10th, 2015

March 22nd, 2024

March 14th, 2024

February 9th, 2024

Top Headlines

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024