The story of Naomi Jones is a heartbreaking tale of a young life tragically cut short. This 12-year-old girl, described as responsible and mature beyond her years, vanished from her Pensacola, Florida apartment complex in May 2017, sparking a frantic search that gripped the nation. This article delves into the details of the investigation, the eventual confession of her killer, Robert Howard, and the legal proceedings that brought him to justice.
The Vanishing of Naomi Jones: A Community in Despair
On the afternoon of May 31, 2017, Shantara Hurry received a chilling phone call from one of her sons. He informed her that his older sister, Naomi, had left their apartment and hadn’t returned. Naomi had been babysitting her younger brothers and had briefly taken the family dog for a walk. Upon returning, she left again, this time alone, without her phone or purse – an unusual occurrence for the social media-savvy pre-teen.
Shantara’s immediate concern prompted her to leave work and rush home. After an unsuccessful search of the neighborhood, she contacted 9-1-1, setting in motion a massive search effort. Investigator Michelle Wirt, initially suspecting a runaway case, quickly realized the circumstances were far more serious. The absence of Naomi’s phone and purse, coupled with her responsible nature, pointed towards foul play.
Naomi Jones
The Investigation: A Race Against Time
The search for Naomi Jones was immediate and extensive. Over 200 volunteers, multiple law enforcement agencies, and even the FBI joined the effort, with a $10,000 reward offered for information. The investigation was highly organized, with a command center established at Olive Baptist Church. Despite following over 200 tips, conducting over 300 interviews, and executing 30 search warrants, the initial days yielded no significant leads.
Investigators meticulously examined a list of potential suspects, starting with those closest to Naomi. Shantara’s father, Robert Jones, who had recently reconnected with Naomi, was questioned. Shantara’s ex-boyfriend also came under scrutiny due to potentially flirtatious text messages exchanged with Naomi. However, both individuals were cleared after thorough investigation.
Search Party for Naomi
Robert Howard Emerges as a Suspect
The investigation then turned to the Florida sex offender registry. A neighbor in the adjacent building, Robert Howard, had verbally identified himself as a registered sex offender in Alabama. Howard had served 15 years in prison for the sexual assault and rape of two women. While claiming to be in Alabama during Naomi’s disappearance, his inconsistent alibi and criminal history raised red flags.
Phone records placed Howard near the apartment complex at the time of Naomi’s disappearance. Surveillance footage from a public bus camera further corroborated this evidence, showing Howard’s car parked at the complex shortly before Naomi vanished.
Robert Howard Mugshot
A Grim Discovery and the Unraveling of a Lie
Five days after Naomi was reported missing, fishermen made a horrific discovery – a body matching Naomi’s description, found near a bridge in a Pensacola creek. The body was nude from the waist down and had duct tape with orange plastic adhered to her hair. The cause of death was determined to be asphyxiation.
Investigators obtained warrants for camera footage from businesses near the bridge, while simultaneously bringing Howard in for questioning. During the initial interrogation, Howard appeared calm and collected, denying any involvement. However, footage from near the bridge showed a car matching Howard’s driving erratically around the area shortly after Naomi’s estimated time of death.
Bridge Where Naomi's Body Was Found
The Confession and Trial: Justice for Naomi
Confronted with the mounting evidence, Howard was arrested and brought in for a second interrogation. During this interrogation, he eventually cracked, inadvertently revealing a crucial detail – the presence of candy in Naomi’s mouth. This seemingly insignificant detail, unknown to anyone but the killer, sealed Howard’s fate.
Howard then attempted to fabricate a story, claiming Naomi had made sexual advances towards him, leading to an accidental choking. Despite his attempts to minimize his actions, the evidence pointed towards premeditated murder.
The trial, delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, finally commenced in August 2021. Prosecutors focused on Naomi’s character, the duct tape found in her hair, and Howard’s inadvertent confession about the candy. The defense’s attempts to invalidate the confession were unsuccessful. After three days of testimony, the jury found Robert Howard guilty of first-degree murder. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Naomi’s Legacy: A Community United in Grief and Remembrance
Shantara Hurry, in a powerful statement to the court, expressed her immeasurable grief and unforgiveness towards Howard. The loss of Naomi deeply impacted the Pensacola community, serving as a somber reminder of the vulnerability of children and the importance of vigilance. While justice was served, the void left by Naomi’s absence will forever be felt.
FAQ
- What happened to Naomi Jones? Naomi Jones was abducted, murdered, and her body was discovered in a creek five days after her disappearance.
- Who killed Naomi Jones? Robert Howard, a registered sex offender and neighbor in the adjacent building, was convicted of her murder.
- What was the key evidence against Robert Howard? Key evidence included phone records, surveillance footage, his confession regarding the candy found in Naomi’s mouth, and duct tape matching that found in her hair.
If you have any further questions or information related to this case, please share it with the authorities.
