When Blaming it on the Baby is a Good Idea - The Chilling Case of Sharon Kinne

In the quiet town of Independence, Missouri, a series of shocking events unfolded in the 1960s that left the community reeling. At the center of these events was Sharon Kinne, a woman whose actions would lead to multiple deaths and a mysterious disappearance. This article delves into the life and crimes of Sharon Kinne, exploring the details of her manipulative tactics, the investigation that followed, and her ultimate escape from justice.

Background Information

Independence, Missouri, located just east of Kansas City, experienced significant growth in the mid-20th century. By the 1960s, it had transformed from a small town with a population of around 16,000 to a bustling community of over 110,000 residents. It was in this rapidly growing town that Sharon Kinne's story begins.

Sharon Kinne grew up in Independence with dreams of escaping to a big city. By the age of 16, she was enamored with celebrity culture and the glamorous lives depicted in magazines. Her desire to leave her small-town life behind intensified when she met James Kinne at a church event. James, a 22-year-old engineering student at Brigham Young University, represented everything Sharon aspired to – a way out of Independence and into a more exciting life.

Details of the Crime

In the summer of 1956, 16-year-old Sharon and 22-year-old James began a whirlwind romance. Their relationship quickly escalated, and by the end of the summer, Sharon informed James that she was pregnant. Facing societal pressure, especially within his Mormon faith, James returned to Independence and married Sharon. Shortly after, Sharon converted to Mormonism, and the couple moved to Provo, Utah, where James continued his studies.

The marriage, however, was fraught with challenges. Sharon's dreams of a glamorous life were shattered when James dropped out of school due to stress, and the couple returned to Independence. Living close to James's strict, disapproving parents only added to the strain. Despite welcoming two children, their marriage deteriorated, with both engaging in extramarital affairs.

On March 19, 1960, tragedy struck. Sharon claimed that while she was getting ready for a church event, their two-year-old daughter accidentally shot James with his own .22 caliber pistol. The police, believing Sharon's distraught demeanor, did not conduct a gunshot residue test on her or the child. James's death was ruled an accident, allowing Sharon to collect a substantial life insurance payout.

Investigation

Suspicion began to mount when Sharon quickly moved on, purchasing a new car and engaging in an affair with Walter Jones, a car salesman. Walter's wife, Patricia Jones, soon went missing, and Sharon's involvement became apparent. Walter reported Patricia's disappearance, and shortly after, her body was found at a local lover's lane, shot multiple times.

The investigation revealed that Sharon had picked up Patricia, telling her that Walter was having an affair. This deceitful act led Patricia to confront Sharon, resulting in Patricia's murder. Witnesses and physical evidence, including the match of bullets to Sharon's gun, pointed to Sharon, but procedural errors, such as a botched autopsy, hindered the investigation.

Suspects and Arrest

Sharon was arrested and charged with Patricia's murder, as well as the murder of her husband, James. However, the evidence was largely circumstantial. Sharon's manipulative nature was evident in her interactions with her boyfriends, including John Boldizs, whom she had previously asked to kill James.

Trial and Verdict

Sharon's trial was a media sensation. Her defense argued that the case against her was built on weak evidence and speculation. The lack of an autopsy for Patricia and the absence of the murder weapon were significant hurdles for the prosecution. Ultimately, Sharon was acquitted of Patricia's murder, much to the dismay of law enforcement.

In a subsequent trial for James's murder, Sharon's manipulative tactics again played a role. Despite John's testimony about her plot to kill James, the jury found her not guilty. Sharon's ability to sway public opinion and manipulate those around her was apparent throughout the trials.

Escape from Prison

Sharon's story took an even more dramatic turn when she escaped from a Mexican prison. After being convicted of another murder in Mexico, she was sentenced to ten years. However, on December 7, 1969, Sharon managed to escape from the Iztapalapa Women's Prison. The details of her escape remain unclear, but it was suspected that she had outside help. Sharon Kinne has not been seen since, and her current whereabouts are unknown.

Conclusion

Sharon Kinne's story is a chilling reminder of how manipulation and deceit can subvert justice. Her escape from prison in 1969 remains a mystery, and she has not been seen since. Sharon's case raises unsettling questions about the effectiveness of the legal system and the nature of human evil. How could someone commit such heinous acts and evade accountability? As we ponder these questions, Sharon Kinne's tale continues to haunt those who seek answers and justice.