The Murder of Lil Miss: A Mother's Brutal 16-Year Fight for Justice

by Sheila Kimmell

A STORY THAT GRIPPED THE NATION -- THE MURDER OF LIL MISS In the secluded darkness of an early spring night, Lisa Marie Kimmell and her sporty black Honda vanished from a Wyoming desert highway. Frantic, Lisa’s family and friends mounted a tireless search for the missing 18-year old across three states. The answer to Lisa’s disappearance was found a week later in the icy waters of the North Platte River. The first search was one of love and futility. After Lisa was found murdered, a second search was launched. A search for justice. Ron and Sheila Kimmell were determined to find their daughter's murderer despite the many jurisdictional and bureaucratic obstacles they encountered. It would take years before the mystery unraveled and the Kimmell's discovered truths more horrifying than anyone could imagine. Numerous similar homicides remain unsolved in the western states. Are they connected in some way? Can Ron Sheila's relentless pursuit for justice help find answers for other families?

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction

243 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! I live in the same county where this murder occurred and it is still talked about. The author does such a beautiful job of expressing the anxieties and frustrations the family encountered throughout their 16 year battle for justice. And she does it without showing bitterness as many other people would have. Before our Wyoming legislature contemplates doing away with the death penalty, I think every one of them should have to read this book.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happened to Lisa really bothers me. I'm angered this monster has not been put to death.

[Skyler Winter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was heartbreaking. To think of the life that was lost at a potential serial killers hands is just so terrifying and sad and so close to home. This book also brought to life what the families of victims go through, the terrible jurisdictional politics of law enforcements dick measuring contest, and the need for a national database to for crimes. Thank goodness for DNA technology advancements. It’s scary to think how many people may have died at his hands and so many others.

[Cara Wittich · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Murder of Lil Miss gives an inside look at just how drawn-out and frustrating the justice system in the U.S. can be, especially for the families of victims. It’s heartbreaking to see what they have to endure for answers. Honestly, it’s unbelievable that the database for crimes does not extend past state lines. This story is a powerful reminder of how much strength it takes to keep fighting for justice.