Elizabeth City, North Carolina – March 4, 1984 – Sharon Jones, a 21-year-old Elizabeth City State University student, was just weeks away from fulfilling her dream of becoming a teacher when she was brutally murdered in her dorm room on March 4, 1984. His tragic death remains unsolved, and the frightening phone call made on the day of his funeral deepens the mystery surrounding his murder.
What happened
Sharon Jones returned early from spring break to prepare for her student teaching job at Moyock Elementary. On the evening of March 4, security guards escorted Sharon back to Mitchell Lewis Hall around 9:30, as the campus was quiet and classes were scheduled to resume the following week.
The next morning, a dorm supervisor noticed broken glass outside a first-floor window and knocked on the door of room 125, where Sharon was staying. When no answer was received, the door was opened and what was found inside was devastating. Sharon’s body was found face down on her bed, strangled with a belt tied to the bedpost. A bloodied dumbbell was found under the bed and signs of a violent struggle were evident. There was no sign of forced entry, robbery or sexual assault – just a brutal and premeditated murder.
Test
Two people—Angela Dennis Jones, a security supervisor, and Delantry Trafton, a special education student and Vietnam veteran—were in the room directly above Sharon. Both were interrogated and passed a polygraph test. He recalled a strange encounter around midnight when someone knocked on his door and asked, “What is your name? May I know your name?” When he did not respond, the man left. Was this the killer?
As the investigation continued, authorities collected fingerprints from the scene, but they did not match anyone. Despite extensive efforts, no one was charged with Sharon’s murder and the case went cold.
chilling phone call
A few days later, on the day of Sharon’s funeral, a phone call was made to the Jones family. A young man’s voice came from the other end, “I’m sorry I killed the wrong Sharon Jones.” Sharon’s sister, Lisa, screamed in shock, “Mom, someone’s on the phone saying they killed the wrong Sharon Jones!” The call raised more questions – did the killer want to target someone else with the same name? Why was Sharon specifically chosen for that fateful night in Room 125?
The sinister nature of the call is never fully explained. And more than four decades later, Sharon’s family continues to search for answers.
Public reactions and unanswered questions
Sharon’s murder is a case that has troubled the Elizabeth City community for years. As time passed, it became clear that the matter was more complex than anyone had initially thought. The lack of physical evidence or a suspect has frustrated investigators and the public.
The Jones family, still mourning their loss, is determined to find out who murdered Sharon and why. Cold phone calls, unanswered questions and lack of resolution continue to torment those who loved him.
How you can help
If you have any information regarding the murder of Sharon Jones, the Elizabeth City Police Department urges you to come forward. Anyone with details, no matter how small, is encouraged to contact the department at 252-335-4321. After more than 40 years, the mystery still remains unsolved, but there is hope that someone can finally come forward with the vital information needed to bring justice to Sharon Jones and her family.
closure
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
