'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wAARCAAGAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYH/8QAJRAAAQIEBAcAAAAAAAAAAAAAAgEDAAQFEQYHEzESISJBUWGR/8QAFQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAwT/xAAXEQEBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAgAR/9oADAMBAAIRAxEAPwDKKm+61iimyTAsK1MvlfUC9utRXbtZPsW45lOU8UkwbLhl00UsyOw8vPqEIjuRk7nmkXm//9k='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The Netflix docuseries I Am a Killer tells several stories, among which is Zachary Jones's case and his death, along with the subsequent legal outcomes that his murderers had to face. Zachary Jones was a 17-year-old teenager when a violent crime perpetrated by a few people brutally ended his life in 2007.
Episode 4 of I Am a Killer titled A Common Purpose, elaborates on the involved dynamics of the case and more about Terry Dunkin, Kimberly Dunkin, and Jerry Broyles' roles. While Broyles and another accomplice received life sentences, Terry Dunkin died by suicide in prison before he could stand trial.
Background of Zachary Jones
Zachary Jones was a 17-year-old from Lebanon, Missouri, who was brutally taken from this earth in June of 2007. He was killed during an attack by more than one person. The situation was the culmination of a feud over text messages sent to one of the assailants, Jerry Broyles' girlfriend.
As the argument between the teens turned violent, Zachary and Matthew Bankston, another teen, were attacked with a baseball bat. Zachary died from the attack, which inflicted multiple skull fractures. The attack happened on June 10, 2007, wherein Zachary and Matthew were accosted, according to several reports.
Zachary was pronounced dead a few minutes after the violent attack due to the severity of his injuries. The crime caught much media attention and left a huge impact on this small community. What was said to trigger such violence that led to a fatal pounding?
The crime and its aftermath
Zachary Jones was attacked by a group consisting of Jerry Broyles and his accomplices, Terry Dunkin and Kimberly Dunkin. The scuffle was said to have been provoked by jealousy over text messages Zachary had sent to Broyles' girlfriend. This personal issue escalated into violence when Broyles and his associates confronted the two teens.
The assault left Zachary with terrible injuries from the battering by the baseball bat. He was discovered with multiple fractures of the skull and could not survive the assault. Matthew Bankston, who was also attacked, survived with extreme injuries but narrated the whole incident. The brutality of the crime shocked not only the community of Lebanon but also received wide coverage in the media.
Within hours of Zachary's murder, the police arrested everyone involved. Jerry Broyles and Terry Dunkin were charged with second-degree murder. Kimberly Dunkin was implicated in the murder as well. Ultimately, both Broyles and Kimberly Dunkin received life for their part in the murder.
Nathan Gibbs, who also participated in the attack, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and received a reduced sentence.
Insights from I Am a Killer
I Am a Killer stands out as being unique in the style of true crime storytelling. While most documentaries merely delve into the views of law enforcement, this series gives a voice to those who have been convicted of grave crimes. It offers listeners an unfiltered glance into their lives before and after their crimes by giving inmates the chance to share their stories.
The episode about Zachary Jones is especially impactful because it forces viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about violence and its consequences. It challenges audiences to consider not only the actions of those who commit such acts but also the societal factors that may contribute to these tragedies.
In exploring the story of Zachary, I Am a Killer does not shy away from the most difficult topics, such as mental health issues in offenders and the ripple effects of crime on victims' families.
The tragic case of Zachary Jones is a poignant reminder of how fragile life can be and how complex violent crime can be. Through its exploration in I Am a Killer, it provides viewers with not only an understanding of events that led to his killing but also deeper societal implications.
Trending
More and more stories of reality are being brought forward in the series, which forces the audience into thinking about justice, accountability, and healing as soon as violence occurs.
I Am a Killer Season 6 is now streaming on Netflix.
Reply
