Scott Lee Kimball's Con Concludes: Killer's Life Sentence Continues as Appeals Fail
Scott Lee Kimball, a notorious serial killer and con artist from Colorado, continues to serve his life sentence for murdering at least four people between 2003 and 2004. Kimball's reign of terror came to an end in October 2009 when he was sentenced to 70 years in prison after pleading guilty to the murders of Kaysi McLeod, Jennifer Marcum, LeAnn Emry, and Terry Kimball.
Kimball's story is particularly chilling due to his role as an FBI informant during the time he committed his crimes. This position allowed him to manipulate authorities and evade capture for years. His ability to deceive extended beyond law enforcement, as he employed various con artist techniques to lure and victimize his targets.
The case of Scott Lee Kimball serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by skilled manipulators and the importance of vigilance in law enforcement. While Kimball's conviction brought some closure to the victims' families, investigators suspect he may be responsible for up to 21 additional unsolved killings, leaving many questions unanswered.
The Crimes of Scott Lee Kimball
Scott Lee Kimball committed a series of murders in Colorado between 2003 and 2004. His killing spree claimed at least four lives, though investigators suspect he may be responsible for many more unsolved homicides.
Murderous Path
Kimball's criminal career began with fraud and petty crimes before escalating to murder in 2003. He killed his first known victim, LeAnn Emry, in January of that year. Over the next two years, Kimball murdered at least three more people.
His modus operandi involved gaining the trust of his victims before killing them. Kimball often targeted vulnerable individuals, using his charm and manipulation to lure them to isolated locations.
Law enforcement struggled to connect the disappearances initially, allowing Kimball to continue his spree undetected for months.
Notable Victims
LeAnn Emry was Kimball's first confirmed victim, killed in January 2003. Jennifer Marcum, a dancer, disappeared in February 2003 and is believed to be another of Kimball's victims.
Kaysi McLeod, the 19-year-old daughter of Kimball's girlfriend, vanished in August 2003. Her remains were later found in a remote area.
Kimball's uncle, Terry Kimball, became his fourth known victim in 2004. Scott Kimball claimed Terry had won the lottery and moved to Mexico, but investigators later discovered he had murdered him.
Role as an FBI Informant
In a disturbing twist, Kimball served as an FBI informant during the first year of his murder spree. He was released from federal prison in December 2002 to assist the FBI with investigations.
This arrangement provided Kimball with protection and financial support from the FBI while he committed his crimes. His status as an informant allowed him to operate with less scrutiny, potentially enabling his killing spree.
The FBI's decision to use Kimball as an informant despite his criminal history has been heavily criticized. This case highlights the risks of relying on criminals for information in law enforcement operations.
Investigation and Arrest
Scott Lee Kimball's criminal activities came to light through a meticulous investigation spanning multiple states. Law enforcement agencies worked diligently to unravel the disappearances linked to Kimball and gather evidence to bring him to justice.
Unraveling the Disappearances
In 2006, detectives in Lafayette, Colorado began investigating Scott Kimball for check fraud. This initial inquiry soon expanded as authorities noticed connections to several missing persons cases.
The disappearances of Jennifer Marcum, Kaysi McLeod, LeAnn Emry, and Terry Kimball raised suspicions. Investigators meticulously traced Kimball's movements and uncovered a trail of deception.
FBI Special Agent Jonathan Grusing played a crucial role in piecing together the puzzle. His persistence led to key breakthroughs in understanding Kimball's involvement in the murders.
Bringing Kimball to Justice
As evidence mounted, law enforcement agencies across multiple jurisdictions collaborated to build a case against Kimball. His criminal history and pattern of manipulation became apparent.
In 2009, authorities arrested Kimball on charges related to the four murders. The arrest marked a significant turning point in the investigation, bringing hope to the victims' families.
Investigators worked tirelessly to gather physical evidence, witness testimonies, and forensic data to support their case. Their efforts aimed to ensure Kimball would face accountability for his actions.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Scott Lee Kimball's legal proceedings unfolded in Boulder County, Colorado. Prosecutors presented a compelling case, detailing his involvement in the murders and his elaborate schemes to evade detection.
In October 2009, Kimball pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree murder as part of a plea deal. The agreement acknowledged his responsibility for all four victims while sparing their families a lengthy trial.
The court sentenced Kimball to 70 years in prison. This substantial sentence reflected the severity of his crimes and the impact on the victims' loved ones. Kimball's conviction brought a measure of closure to a dark chapter in Colorado's criminal history.
Victim Profiles
Scott Lee Kimball's murderous spree claimed the lives of four individuals between 2003 and 2004. Each victim had a unique story, cut tragically short by Kimball's actions.
Kaysi McLeod
Kaysi McLeod, 19, vanished on August 23, 2003. She was last seen leaving a casino in Central City, Colorado. Kaysi struggled with drug addiction and had recently been released from a rehabilitation center. Her disappearance initially raised little concern due to her history of substance abuse.
Kaysi's remains were discovered in a remote area of Jackson County, Colorado, in 2007. The discovery came after Kimball provided information about her location as part of a plea deal.
Jennifer Marcum
Jennifer Marcum, 25, disappeared on February 17, 2003. She was last seen at Denver International Airport. Jennifer worked as an exotic dancer and had connections to the criminal underworld.
Her car was found abandoned at the airport parking lot. Despite extensive searches, Jennifer's remains have never been located. Kimball later confessed to her murder as part of his plea agreement.
LeAnn Emry
LeAnn Emry, 24, went missing on January 16, 2003. She was last seen in Moab, Utah. LeAnn had a history of depression and had previously attempted suicide.
Her disappearance wasn't reported until weeks later. LeAnn's remains were found in a remote area of Utah in 2009, following information provided by Kimball during the investigation.
Terry Kimball
Terry Kimball, 60, was Scott Lee Kimball's uncle. He disappeared in late August 2004 after supposedly leaving on a trip to Mexico with a wealthy woman.
Terry's disappearance raised suspicions when he failed to contact family members. His remains were discovered in a remote area of Vail Pass, Colorado, in 2007 after Scott Kimball led authorities to the location.
Psychological Profile and Motives
Scott Lee Kimball exhibited a complex psychological profile marked by manipulation and deception. His criminal mindset and con man tactics allowed him to evade justice for years while perpetrating heinous crimes.
Criminal Mindset
Kimball displayed traits of antisocial personality disorder. He showed a lack of empathy for his victims and little remorse for his actions. His criminal record included fraud, forgery, and theft before escalating to murder.
Kimball's history of bipolar disorder may have contributed to his impulsive and reckless behavior. He often made risky decisions without considering consequences.
As a habitual criminal, Kimball became adept at exploiting weaknesses in the justice system. He manipulated law enforcement, even becoming an FBI informant while actively killing.
Con Man Tactics
Kimball's mastery of deception was central to his crimes. He used charm and false promises to gain trust from victims and authorities alike.
His tactics included:
Creating elaborate backstories and aliases
Forging documents and credentials
Manipulating emotions to elicit sympathy or compliance
Exploiting people's trust and goodwill
Kimball's fraud schemes often targeted vulnerable individuals. He showed a keen ability to identify and exploit weaknesses in both people and systems.
His con artistry extended to law enforcement. Kimball convinced the FBI of his value as an informant, using this position to further his criminal activities while under their protection.
Impact on Families and Communities
Scott Lee Kimball's crimes devastated families and shook communities across Colorado and Utah. His actions left deep scars on victims' loved ones and raised public concerns about safety.
Victim's Relatives
The families of Kimball's victims endured immense pain and loss. Parents, siblings, and children were left grappling with the sudden disappearance of their loved ones. Many spent years searching for answers before the tragic truth came to light.
Jennifer Marcum's father tirelessly pursued leads about his missing daughter. LeAnn Emry's family struggled with uncertainty for years after her disappearance. The relatives of Kaysi McLeod and Terry Kimball also faced prolonged anguish.
Victim impact statements revealed the profound grief and anger felt by families. Many expressed how Kimball's actions destroyed their lives and left them with lasting trauma.
Public Reaction and Safety
Kimball's crimes sparked fear and unease in Colorado and Utah communities. The cases of multiple missing persons linked to one individual alarmed residents. Local law enforcement faced pressure to solve the disappearances and protect public safety.
Media coverage of the investigation and trial drew widespread attention. Many were shocked that an FBI informant could perpetrate such crimes. The case highlighted potential flaws in the informant system.
Some communities implemented new safety awareness programs in response. Missing persons procedures were reviewed and updated in certain jurisdictions. The case served as a sobering reminder of the importance of personal safety and reporting suspicious activity.
Timeline of Events
Scott Lee Kimball's reign of terror unfolded over several years, leaving a trail of victims and unanswered questions. Key events marked the progression from initial disappearances to eventual justice.
From Disappearance to Discovery
August 2003: LeAnn Emry vanishes in Colorado.
January 2004: Jennifer Marcum goes missing.
August 2004: Kaysi McLeod disappears.
2004-2006: Terry Kimball, Scott's uncle, is reported missing.
October 2006: Kaysi McLeod's remains found in Colorado.
2007: FBI begins investigating Kimball's potential involvement in disappearances.
July 2009: LeAnn Emry's remains discovered in Utah.
October 2009: Terry Kimball's remains located in Colorado.
Jennifer Marcum's body has never been found.
Key Milestones in the Case
2003: Kimball becomes FBI informant while in custody.
2006: Kimball arrested on fraud charges.
2009: Kimball charged with four murders.
October 8, 2009: Kimball pleads guilty to second-degree murder.
Kimball sentenced to 70 years in prison.
2010: Additional fraud charges filed against Kimball.
2016: Kimball's sons speak publicly about their father's crimes.
2024: Kimball continues to serve his life sentence, with no possibility of parole until 2054.
Criminal Proceedings and Penalties
Scott Lee Kimball faced legal consequences for his crimes through court trials and sentencing. His case involved plea negotiations and multiple charges, ultimately resulting in a lengthy prison term.
Court Trials
Kimball's legal proceedings included charges of fraud, gun possession, and murder. In 2009, he pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree murder in Boulder County, Colorado. This plea deal came after extensive negotiations between prosecutors and Kimball's defense team.
The court also addressed Kimball's prior convictions. He had already been serving a 48-year sentence for fraud and habitual criminal charges. Additionally, Kimball received a 70-month sentence on a federal gun charge.
Life Sentence
The murder plea resulted in a 70-year prison sentence for Kimball. This term was to run consecutive to his existing sentences, effectively ensuring he would spend the rest of his life behind bars.
Kimball is currently incarcerated at the Sterling Correctional Facility in Colorado. The facility houses high-security inmates and provides various programs for rehabilitation. Despite these programs, Kimball's multiple life sentences mean he is unlikely to ever be released.
Media and Cultural Impact
Scott Lee Kimball's crimes attracted significant attention from media outlets and true crime enthusiasts. His case sparked investigations and documentaries, while also generating widespread public interest.
Documentaries and Investigations
The Kimball case became the subject of several television documentaries. "20/20" aired an episode featuring exclusive interviews with Kimball's sons and ex-wife, providing intimate insights into the killer's life. Other true crime series covered the case, detailing Kimball's transformation from FBI informant to serial killer.
Investigative journalists delved into Kimball's background, uncovering new details about his crimes in Colorado and beyond. These investigations often focused on Kimball's ability to manipulate both his victims and law enforcement.
Coverage and Public Interest
News outlets extensively covered Kimball's trial and sentencing. The story captivated audiences due to its unusual elements, including Kimball's work as an FBI informant and his con-man tactics.
Public interest in the case remained high years after Kimball's conviction. Online forums and true crime communities discussed theories about potential additional victims, particularly in areas like the Book Cliffs and Moab where Kimball was known to have traveled.
The case also sparked debates about FBI informant practices and the effectiveness of law enforcement in tracking serial killers. Kimball's story served as a cautionary tale, highlighting the dangers of trusting manipulative criminals.
