Elizabeth City, North Carolina – March 4, 1984 – Sharon Jones, a 21-year-old student at Elizabeth City State University, was just weeks away from fulfilling her dream of becoming a teacher when she was found brutally murdered in her dorm room on March 4, 1984. Her tragic death remains unsolved, and the chilling phone call made on the day of her funeral has only deepened the mystery surrounding her murder.
What Happened
Sharon Jones had returned early from Spring Break to prepare for her student teaching assignment at Moyock Elementary. On the evening of March 4, security guards escorted Sharon back to Mitchell Lewis Hall around 9:30 p.m., as the campus was quiet and classes were set to resume the following week.
The next morning, a dorm supervisor noticed broken glass outside a first-floor window and knocked on the door of Room 125, where Sharon was staying. When there was no answer, the door was opened—and inside, the discovery was devastating. Sharon’s body was found face down on her bed, strangled with a belt tied to the bedpost. A bloody dumbbell was discovered beneath the bed, and signs of a violent struggle were evident. There were no signs of forced entry, robbery, or sexual assault—just a brutal and calculated murder.
The Investigation
Two individuals—Angela Denise Jones, a security supervisor, and Delantry Trafton, a special education student and Vietnam veteran—were in rooms directly above Sharon’s. Both were questioned and passed polygraph tests. They recalled a strange encounter around midnight when someone knocked on their door and asked, “What is your name? May I know your name?” When they did not respond, the person walked away. Was this the killer?
As the investigation continued, authorities collected fingerprints from the scene, but they matched no one. Despite extensive efforts, no one was charged with Sharon’s murder, and the case went cold.
The Chilling Phone Call
Days later, on the day of Sharon’s funeral, a phone call was made to the Jones family. A young man’s voice on the other end said, “I’m sorry I killed the wrong Sharon Jones.” Sharon’s sister, Lisa, screamed in shock, “Mama, someone’s on the phone saying they killed the wrong Sharon Jones!” The call raised even more questions—was the killer intending to target someone else with the same name? Why was Sharon specifically chosen on that fateful night in Room 125?
The haunting nature of the call has never been fully explained. And after more than four decades, Sharon’s family continues to search for answers.
Public Reactions and The Unanswered Questions
Sharon’s murder is a case that has haunted the community of Elizabeth City for years. As time passed, it became clear that the case was more complex than anyone initially thought. The lack of physical evidence or a suspect has left investigators and the public frustrated.
The Jones family, still grieving their loss, has remained committed to finding out who killed Sharon and why. The chilling phone call, the unanswered questions, and the lack of closure continue to torment those who loved her.
How You Can Help
If you have any information regarding the murder of Sharon Jones, the Elizabeth City Police Department urges you to come forward. Anyone with details, no matter how small, is encouraged to contact the department at 252-335-4321. After more than 40 years, the mystery still remains unsolved, but there is hope that someone may finally come forward with the crucial information needed to bring justice to Sharon Jones and her family.
Closing
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
