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The 37th season of 48 Hours on Investigation Discovery will feature a rerun of the episode about Tom Merriman titled Jade Janks and the Secret Photos on September 5, 2024. The episode unpacks Tom Merriman's case. Merriman was discovered deceased under distressing conditions; hence, the broadcast will explore the sequence of events that led to his death.
Tom Merriman was found dead on January 2, 2021, under a pile of trash in his driveway in Solana Beach, California. His stepdaughter, Jade Janks, was later arrested and charged with his murder.
The case began unfolding when Tom Merriman was hospitalized on December 15, 2020, after a fall. While he was in the hospital, Janks discovered explicit photos of herself on Merriman's computer. These photos were found in folders with explicit titles, which Janks claimed she never shared with him.
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Janks was captured on surveillance footage purchasing items such as gloves, towels, and nylon cords on December 31, 2020. During the trial, prosecutors labeled as components of a "murder kit."
Autopsy results indicated that Merriman died from an overdose of prescription drugs, including Zolpidem. Texts from Janks’ phone suggested she administered these drugs to him. In one message, she mentioned, "I just dosed the hell out of him."
Janks argued that Tom Merriman's death was accidental, resulting from his drug misuse. But she was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to 25 years to life in prison in March 2023. She is currently appealing her conviction, maintaining her innocence.
5 harrowing details about Tom Merriman's murder
1. Discovery of explicit photos
The case took a disturbing turn when Jade Janks found explicit photos of herself on Tom Merriman's computer while he was hospitalized. These images were not merely saved; they were organized into folders with explicit titles, suggesting premeditation and continuous violation of privacy.
Janks reported feeling violated upon finding the photos, which were taken consensually with other partners and not intended for Merriman. The violation of privacy and trust marked a major betrayal, considering their previously close familial relationship. The impact of this discovery set the stage for the tragic events that followed, indicating the issues of consent and privacy breaches within personal relationships.
2. Purchase of suspicious items
Days after discovering the photos, surveillance footage captured Jade Janks purchasing items that the prosecutors later described as a "murder kit." These items included gloves, towels, and a nylon cord, bought from a local CVS and a hardware store.
The timing and nature of these purchases, made on the eve of New Year's Day, were particularly alarming, given Merriman’s vulnerable state post-hospitalization. The premeditated procurement suggests a planned approach to handling the situation.
3. Method of death
Tom Merriman died from an overdose of prescription drugs, notably Zolpidem, along with other medications. Autopsy reports confirmed high levels of these substances, which are typically used to treat insomnia but can be fatal in high doses.
The presence of these drugs was linked back to Janks through text messages she sent, stating she had "dosed the hell out of him." This method of inducing an overdose, whether Merriman took the drugs willingly or not, points to a profoundly troubling use of medication meant to aid sleep as a tool for committing murder.
4. Concealment of the body
Merriman’s body was found concealed under a pile of trash in his driveway, wrapped in a blanket. This method of hiding his body was not only macabre but also indicative of a desperate attempt to evade detection.
The placement of the body, alongside everyday refuse, suggests an effort to blend the site of the crime with normal household waste, thus delaying the discovery and investigation. The act of concealment points to a calculated effort by Janks to manage the aftermath of Merriman’s death, further complicating the investigation.
5. Text messages as evidence
The role of technology in unraveling this case was major, with text messages between Janks and a security guard named Alan Roach playing a crucial role. These messages revealed Janks’ state of mind and her intentions towards Merriman.
Phrases like "I just dosed the hell out of him," and later communications indicating her struggle to manage the situation alone were vital in establishing her involvement in the events leading to Merriman's death. These texts provided a timeline and an insight into her plans and panic, offering a digital footprint that was instrumental in the legal proceedings against her.
You can watch the episode on September 5, 2024 on ID.
