Anthony Kirkland’s reign of terror shocked Ohio. This is the story of the serial killer who left investigators baffled and families shattered, and the long road to justice.
The Disappearance of Esme Kenny and a Gruesome Discovery
March 7, 2009, started like any other day in Cincinnati, Ohio. 13-year-old Esme Kenny decided to go for a jog, a regular part of her routine. However, this time, Esme didn’t return home.
As concern turned to fear, police were called and a frantic search began. The search led them to a nearby wooded area, where they made a chilling discovery: Anthony Kirkland was found sitting against a tree. The discovery was unsettling, but it was just the beginning.
Kirkland was taken in for questioning. Though he acted suspiciously, he denied any involvement in Esme’s disappearance. However, a search of his belongings revealed a horrifying truth. Esme’s watch and iPod were found on him. The evidence was damning, forcing Kirkland to change his story.
Kirkland’s Confession and a Pattern of Violence
After hours of questioning, Kirkland confessed to encountering Esme, claiming she ran into him. He admitted to beating her but insisted she was still alive. Yet, detectives had received devastating news: Esme’s body had been found in the woods.
The details of Esme’s death were horrific. The cause of death was strangulation, her clothes twisted and used as a ligature. Evidence suggested a struggle, a young life brutally cut short.
Anthony Kirkland's mugshot from his arrest
As investigators delved deeper into Kirkland’s past, they uncovered more disturbing details. They linked him to other killings, including 45-year-old Mary Jo Newton, with whom he had a fleeting relationship, and 14-year-old Casonya Crawford, whom he met randomly. Both victims were found in wooded areas, their bodies bearing chilling similarities to Esme’s.
A Series of Brutal Murders and Kirkland’s Modus Operandi
Kirkland’s confession revealed a string of murders, each more horrifying than the last. He confessed to killing Kimya Rolison, a woman he tried to pay for sex, claiming he snapped during an argument. He detailed each murder with a disturbing detachment, sending chills down the spines of seasoned investigators.
One common thread connected these heinous crimes: each body was burned. While Kirkland claimed he was trying to cremate the bodies, investigators believed he was destroying evidence. The brutality of the murders, coupled with the attempted burning of the bodies, painted a picture of a cold and calculating killer.
Anthony Kirkland’s First Victim and a Shocking Timeline
Kirkland’s violence extended even further back. In 1987, he strangled Leola Douglas and set her body on fire. This early act of violence, for which he served 16 years in prison, marked the beginning of his reign of terror.
With five victims on his record, spanning over two decades, Anthony Kirkland was confirmed as a serial killer. His motives remained unclear, a terrifying combination of perceived slights, random encounters, and explosive rage.
Trial, Sentencing, and the Fight for Justice
In 2010, Anthony Kirkland faced trial for his crimes. He pleaded guilty to the murders of Newton and Rolison and was found guilty of killing Crawford and Kenny. The jury sentenced him to death.
However, the case took an unexpected turn. The Ohio Supreme Court granted Kirkland a new sentencing trial based on inappropriate comments made by the prosecutor. The new trial, which began in July 2018, was a chance for the families of the victims to seek a sense of closure.
Image of a courtroom, representing Anthony Kirkland's trials
The defense focused on Kirkland’s mental health and abusive past, arguing for a life sentence. Experts were called in to assess Kirkland’s mental state, some suggesting brain abnormalities while others argued his scans appeared normal.
The jury heard Kirkland’s confession tapes again, witnessing his chillingly calm demeanor as he recounted the murders. While he expressed remorse, it was difficult to discern its sincerity.
The Jury’s Decision and Kirkland’s Fate
After careful deliberation, the jury reached a unanimous verdict: the death penalty. They cited the heinous nature of his crimes, the randomness of his victims, and his calculated attempts to hide evidence.
The judge imposed the death sentence, and although Kirkland appealed, the Ohio Supreme Court upheld the decision.
Anthony Kirkland, the serial killer who terrorized Ohio, remains on death row. He is a stark reminder of the darkness that can reside in seemingly ordinary individuals and the devastating impact of violence on innocent lives.
