Death Penalty Trial Begins for Accused Killer of 12-Year-Old Jennifer Odom
Testimony has begun in the death penalty trial of Jeffrey Norman Crum, who is accused of kidnapping, sexually assaulting, and killing 12-year-old Jennifer Odom in Pasco County in 1993. The trial is taking place in the Tampa-St. Petersburg (Sarasota) area.…
Tampa St. Petersburg, FL, August 18, 2026 —
Testimony commenced this week in the death penalty trial of Jeffrey Norman Crum, who faces accusations in the 1993 kidnapping, sexual assault, and murder of 12-year-old Jennifer Odom. The trial is being held in the Tampa-St. Petersburg (Sarasota) area.
The initial day of proceedings focused on presenting details surrounding Odom’s disappearance and the subsequent discovery of her remains six days later. The case gained renewed attention decades after the crime when Crum was identified as a suspect through DNA evidence and familial matches. This evidence led to his arrest and a previous conviction in a separate 1992 attack. Reports indicate that Crum also made statements that implicated himself in Odom’s killing.
During the trial, the defense has acknowledged the fact of Odom’s death but has asserted that the state bears the burden of proving Crum’s responsibility beyond a reasonable doubt. Specific details regarding the contractor’s name, the timeline of events leading to the arrest, or specific code violations and fine amounts were not provided in the available information.
Story summarized from the original created by Erik Waxler on www.tampabay28.com, see more information here.
