Naomi Jones was a 12-year-old girl from Pensacola, Florida, who was tragically murdered in 2017. Her disappearance led to a widespread search, and her body was later found near a creek.
Naomi Jones went missing on May 31, 2017, after she was last seen near her family’s apartment complex. Her disappearance prompted a massive community and law enforcement effort to find her. The search involved numerous volunteers, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, and other agencies. Tragically, on June 5, 2017, Naomi’s body was discovered by fishermen in Eight Mile Creek, not far from her home.
The investigation quickly turned into a homicide case. Evidence led authorities to Robert Howard, a convicted sex offender who had been living in the area. Howard was arrested and charged with Naomi’s kidnapping and murder. It was revealed that he had befriended Naomi and her family, despite them being unaware of his criminal history. In 2018, Howard was tried and found guilty of first-degree premeditated murder and kidnapping. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Naomi’s death was a heartbreaking event that shook her community and highlighted the importance of vigilance in regards to the safety of children and the awareness of individuals residing within close proximity to residential areas. Her case also underscored the critical role of swift and coordinated search efforts in the aftermath of a child’s disappearance.