Opinion ID: 4556341
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Mary Jo Newton

Text: {¶ 7} On June 15, 2006, smoldering human remains were found near the end of a dead-end street, about half a mile from where Casonya’s body had been 2 January Term, 2020 found. An autopsy indicated that the victim was already dead when the body was set on fire. The victim was identified as Mary Jo Newton. {¶ 8} Cincinnati homicide detective Keith Witherell interviewed Kirkland in March 2007 in connection with the homicides of Newton and Casonya. Kirkland admitted having had sex with Newton, but denied ever harming her. When he was shown a photograph of Casonya, he said he did not recognize her. Having no evidence to link Kirkland with these murders, police did not then arrest or charge him.