Sharon Kinne, infamously known as the “Monster Mother,” has remained a chilling figure in American crime history for decades.
After eluding capture for over 50 years following her escape from a Mexican prison, the FBI has now confirmed her death.
Using fingerprint analysis, the FBI linked Sharon Kinne to a woman named “Diedra Glabus,” who passed away in 2022. Here’s a detailed look at Kinne’s tumultuous life, her crimes, and the shocking confirmation of her demise.
The Crimes of Sharon Kinne
Sharon Kinne first made headlines in 1960 when her husband, James Kinne, was found dead in their Independence, Missouri home. Initially, she claimed their two-year-old daughter accidentally shot him, but mounting evidence suggested otherwise.
Key Events Leading to Conviction:
- James Kinne’s Death (1960): Sharon claimed her toddler accidentally fired the gun, but investigators grew suspicious after discovering inconsistencies in her story.
- Patricia Jones’ Murder (1960): Months later, Patricia Jones, the wife of Sharon’s alleged lover, was found dead near Independence, Missouri. Sharon was a prime suspect but was never convicted for this crime.
Despite being convicted in 1962 for her husband’s murder, Sharon’s case took a dramatic turn when her conviction was overturned due to a jury selection error.
A Fugitive in Mexico
While awaiting retrial, Sharon Kinne fled to Mexico. Her criminal activities escalated when she was implicated in another murder—this time, a man in a Mexican motel.
- Connection to Patricia Jones’ Murder: The firearm used in Patricia Jones’ murder was discovered in Sharon’s hotel room in Mexico, linking her back to the Missouri crime.
- Conviction in Mexico: She was found guilty of the motel murder and sentenced to a Mexican prison.
The Great Escape
In December 1969, Sharon Kinne staged a daring escape from a Mexican prison. Despite extensive manhunts and numerous reported sightings, she vanished without a trace—until now.
Timeline of Sharon Kinne’s Crimes and Escape:
| Year | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1960 | James Kinne’s murder | Sharon claimed accidental death; later convicted. |
| 1960 | Patricia Jones’ murder | Found dead near Independence; firearm linked to Sharon. |
| 1962 | Murder conviction overturned | Conviction for James Kinne’s death overturned due to jury selection error. |
| 1969 | Escape from Mexican prison | Disappeared after escaping incarceration for the motel murder. |
| 2022 | Death as “Diedra Glabus” | FBI confirms fingerprints match Sharon Kinne. |
The FBI Confirmation
In 2022, the FBI used fingerprints to confirm that Sharon Kinne had been living under the alias “Diedra Glabus” before her death.
While details about her later years remain sparse, the confirmation ends decades of speculation about her whereabouts.
The Legacy of Sharon Kinne
Sharon Kinne’s case remains one of the most infamous in U.S. crime history. Her crimes, courtroom drama, and eventual escape have inspired books, documentaries, and true crime discussions.
Why Sharon Kinne’s Case Endures:
- Unresolved Mysteries: Questions linger about the full extent of her crimes and her life on the run.
- Media Fascination: Her dramatic life and shocking escape captivated public attention.
- Cultural Impact: Sharon’s case highlights flaws in the judicial and correctional systems of the time.
Sharon Kinne’s story is a chilling reminder of the complexities of justice and the human capacity for deception. From her initial crimes in Missouri to her dramatic escape and life under an alias, Kinne evaded accountability for decades.
The recent confirmation of her death as “Diedra Glabus” closes one chapter of her story but leaves many unanswered questions.
As we reflect on her life, it’s clear that Sharon Kinne remains a dark figure in the annals of American crime history—a tale of murder, mystery, and evasion that continues to fascinate and horrify in equal measure.
