220: The Murder of Rhonda Oakley
Southern Fried True Crime
Deep Dive
Why did Rhonda Oakley return home early from her business trip?
Rhonda and her husband, Philip, had missed each other, even though it was just one night apart. They were still in their honeymoon phase and were very close.
Why did Jenna and David move in with their father, Philip?
Jenna asked to move in with her father after having conflicts with her mother. Philip welcomed her and her brother David without hesitation, wanting to provide a safe and stable home.
Why did Philip and Rhonda ban Jenna from contacting Kenneth Nye?
Philip and Rhonda were concerned about the inappropriate relationship Jenna had with Kenneth, who was several years older. They confiscated Jenna's cell phone and threatened to report Kenneth to the police.
Why did Kenneth Nye have a dishonorable discharge from the Army?
Kenneth intentionally failed his physical fitness tests to receive a dishonorable discharge more quickly. He was discharged on August 31, the day before Rhonda's murder.
Why did Jenna and Kenneth appear relaxed in the Walmart footage?
Jenna and Kenneth did not appear injured or distressed, and Jenna's body language was relaxed. They walked around the store and bought a phone charger, suggesting they were not acting under duress.
Why did Jenna confess to the murder?
Jenna confessed to everything, including her relationship with Kenneth and her involvement in Rhonda's murder. She admitted to planning the murder and described the events leading up to it.
Why did Philip reject his daughter Jenna after her confession?
Philip felt that Jenna showed no remorse and was cold to him. He also believed she was manipulative and did not apologize until she was before the judge. This led him to reject her and express strong feelings of hate.
Why did Kenneth Nye write a suicide note taking full blame for the murder?
Kenneth wrote a note admitting to killing Rhonda and stating that Jenna had nothing to do with it. This was likely an attempt to protect Jenna, but it conflicted with her own confession and journal entries.
Why did Jenna receive a relatively light sentence compared to other teen killers?
Jenna was tried as an adult but received a maximum of 15 years in prison. This was seen as a light sentence by many, considering the brutal and premeditated nature of the murder.
Why did Philip struggle to understand Jenna's actions?
Philip and Rhonda always loved and supported Jenna. The idea that Jenna could have any part in something so vicious, much less plan to kill her entire family, was unimaginable to him.
- Rhonda was a customer service manager at RR Donnelly.
- She had five children from previous marriages.
- Philip and Rhonda married in 2013 and welcomed his children into their home.
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