When Timothy Jones Sr. found out his grandchildren were missing, a wave of fear washed over him. Deep down, he felt certain that his son was involved. “I remember telling my wife, ‘I know he killed them,'” he recalled, his voice thick with emotion. “I just had this feeling, you know? I don’t know where they are, but he has to know.”
Timothy Jones Jr. confessed to the heartbreaking act of killing five children, ranging from ages 1 to 8, back in August 2014 at his home in Lexington County, South Carolina. Afterward, he drove around with their bodies in his SUV for nine days before disposing of them in garbage bags near Camden, Alabama.
According to the Associated Press, he was finally apprehended at a traffic stop in Smith County, Mississippi, when officers noticed a disturbing smell emanating from his vehicle.
This tragic case is under scrutiny in an episode of Investigation Discovery’s true crime series titled “Evil Lives Here: My Child the Killer,” which explores the unimaginable reality faced by parents whose children commit horrific acts.
Before the truth about the murders emerged, Jones Sr. hadn’t heard from his son in some time. He was notified by his grandson’s school about the child’s unusual absence, which set off alarms. Reaching out to one of his son’s friends, Jones Sr. learned that Timothy Jr. hadn’t shown up for work recently.
“Then, a police officer from Mississippi called,” he recounted. “He asked me, ‘What kind of children does he have?’ Only to realize Timothy had no children at that moment.” Blood was discovered in Jones Jr.’s vehicle during the investigation, leading authorities to question its source.
In a state of panic, Jones Sr. begged to see his son. During the trial, it was revealed that the emotional confrontation prompted Timothy Jr. to open up about the missing children, hoping to provide some closure.
Jones Sr. was taken aback when he saw his son in the interrogation room, describing him as looking “like a wild animal.” He said, “I didn’t recognize him. I just wanted to know where my grandchildren were.” In a moment of crisis, his son jumped up and threatened, “I can kill you right now.” Jones Sr. reacted instinctively, crying out, “Don’t kill me. I love you,” desperate to reach out, even as his son seemed lost in anguish.
One officer, visibly shaken, exclaimed, “There’s a lot of blood in that damn car. I want to know what’s going on.” The shock of it all left Jones Sr. stunned. He suggested they search for the children together, pleading with Timothy Jr. to lead him to them. “I begged, ‘They’re out there alone.’ But all I got was, ‘I can’t go with them.’”
Eventually, Jones Jr. guided the authorities to the children’s remains.
“My life has certainly changed since then,” Jones Sr. reflected. “I knew he did it, but how could he? How could anyone do this to their own children?”
Reflecting on their past, Jones Sr. remembered his son as a “good kid” who had lost his mother at a young age. He raised Timothy Jr. on his own, juggling jobs while ensuring he had breakfast, took him to school, and spent quality afternoons together.
Yet, there were signs of trouble. “He seemed normal until he turned about 9,” Jones Sr. noted. There was an incident with a BB gun, which he addressed, but it seemed to be just a phase. As Timothy reached high school, anger issues began to surface, causing concern.
In 2001, Timothy Jr. faced serious charges that included robbery and auto theft, leading to a seven-year prison sentence. After his release, it appeared he had turned a corner. “We even attended church together,” said Jones Sr. He tried to guide his son spiritually, recognizing the challenges of adhering to moral standards amid life’s complexities.
In 2004, Timothy Jr. married Amber Kaiser. However, their relationship soon soured, culminating in a custody battle and a divorce in 2012. “At first, he really seemed dedicated as a father and husband,” Jones Sr. commented, “But the split hit him hard. I worried about how he would manage responsibilities with five kids.” Despite his offers of help, Timothy Jr. declined.
On their last Christmas together, an argument erupted between them. “He accused me of never loving him,” Jones Sr. recalled, anguished. “I reminded him that I raised him alone, did everything for him. How could he say I didn’t care?” Timothy Jr.’s response was cold, “I don’t want to see you again.”
The jury ultimately convicted Timothy Jr. of five counts of murder, sentencing him to death.
Jones Sr. expressed a desire to connect with his son again, hoping to meet him and his children. “I had even planned to surprise them,” he shared, reflecting on a missed opportunity for connection. But the next day, Timothy Jr. had vanished.
“My greatest regret is never being able to talk to my grandchildren one last time,” he mused, tears streaming down his face.
During the trial, the defense claimed that Timothy Jr. struggled with mental health issues, but prosecutors maintained that he was aware of his actions.
While a jury found him guilty, Jones Sr. grappled with his own feelings of loss and guilt. He feels he could have done more to support his family. “I can’t shake the blame,” he sighed. “Those children should be here—I should have seen the signs. I should have done more.”
