What happened to Zachary Jones? Details about Netflix's I Am a killer subject, explored

The episode named A Common Purpose in the Netflix series I Am a Killer, examines the 2007 murder of 17-year-old Zachary Jones. The crime involved Terry Dunkin, Kimberly Dunkin, and Jerry Broyles. Broyles and Gibbs were both sentenced to life in prison, while Terry Dunkin died by suicide in his prison cell awaiting trial.

I Am a Killer is a true-crime documentary series that delves into the minds of death row inmates, offering firsthand accounts of their crimes. The series was produced by Transistor Films and first aired on Netflix in 2018. Since then, it has been keeping viewers glued to their screens with its in-depth interviews and chilling narratives. Season 6 was released on January 8, 2025, continuing this exploration into the darkest corners of the human psyche.

This series offers an opportunity for inmates to voice their side of the story, and by doing so, reveals the complexity of their cases and the justice system. The series has received great reviews, including compelling storytelling and the ethical handling of sensitive material. All six episodes of Season 6 are available on Netflix.

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Who was Zachary Jones and what happened to him?

I am a Killer now streaming on Netflix (Image via Unsplash/@David von Diemar)

Zachary Jones was a 17-year-old boy from Lebanon, Missouri. He was tragically murdered in June 2007. The conflict began with an argument over text messages that were exchanged with a woman connected to the murderers. Jones, accompanied by friends Matthew Bankston and another, had planned to meet the group at Atchley Park to discuss the argument

Upon arrival, Jones and Bankston were attacked by Jerry Broyles and his half-brother, Terry Dunkin, who wielded baseball bats and a metal rod. During the assault, one of the vehicles struck Jones, exacerbating his injuries. The third teenager managed to escape and seek help. When authorities arrived, they found Jones and Bankston unconscious Jones succumbed to his injuries shortly after.

The attackers, Broyles, Terry Dunkin, and his wife, Kimberly Dunkin, were arrested and charged with first-degree murder to armed criminal action. Terry Dunkin died in jail awaiting trial by hanging himself. Broyles pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and received a life sentence, while Kimberly Dunkin was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life without parole.

This tragic case portrays the destructive violence from apparently unimportant quarrels that will permanently be left gaping in the lives of all those who knew Zachary Jones.

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The story behind A Common Purpose

The episode A Common Purpose in Season 6 of Netflix's I Am a Killer delves deep into the chilling 2007 murder of 17-year-old Zachary Jones. In June 2007, 17-year-old Zachary Jones was brutally murdered in Atchley Park, Lebanon, Missouri. The incident began when Jones and his friend, Matthew Bankston, sent text messages to a girl linked to one of the assailants.

This act led to a violent confrontation involving Terry and Kimberly Dunkin, along with Jerry Broyles. The trio lured Jones and Bankston to the park, where they were attacked with baseball bats and a metal rod. Jones suffered fatal skull fractures, while Bankston sustained severe injuries, resulting in partial paralysis

Following the attack, authorities charged Terry Dunkin and Jerry Broyles with first-degree murder, and Kimberly Dunkin with second-degree murder. Before facing trial, Terry Dunkin died by suicide in the Laclede County jail in August 2007 Broyles later pleaded guilty to the charges and received four life sentences. Kimberly Dunkin was found guilty of first-degree assault against Bankston and first-degree murder in Jones's death.

The episode provides interviews and explores the complex dynamics among the perpetrators, shedding light on the twisted motives and psychological manipulation behind the crime. It also highlights the devastating aftermath for Zachary's loved ones.

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Watch I Am a Killer streaming on Netflix.