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“Wrong Turns”: Dateline Reports on Justin Hilbert & Bailey Sharp Homicides October 4 2024

Ryan Gill

NBC’s Dateline returns on October 4, 2024, with a gripping new episode titled “Wrong Turns.” This episode focuses on two disturbing murders that shocked the Riverside, California community in the summer of 2024. The deaths of Justin Hilbert, a young father, and Bailey Sharp, a 23-year-old woman, are explored in detail, as investigators unravel a complex web of violence, relationships, and a possible connection between the two crimes. With the involvement of a Navy sailor, Jared Bischoff, the episode provides a thorough examination of these tragic events and the subsequent investigation.

Through interviews with family members, friends, and law enforcement officials, the episode delves into the devastating impact on the victims’ loved ones and the ongoing search for answers. The harrowing nature of both murders, their timing, and potential ties between the victims create a chilling narrative of murder, pursuit, and justice.

The Death of Justin Hilbert: A Young Father’s Life Cut Short

Justin Hilbert’s death on June 21, 2024, left his family and the Riverside community in shock. Found dead on the side of the road near Lake Mathews, Hilbert had been shot in the face with a shotgun and suffered additional violent injuries. At just 25 years old, Hilbert had recently become a father and had begun a new job as a machinist, working to support his fiancée, Tonya Hilbert, and their six-month-old son. The brutality of his death raised immediate questions, as investigators struggled to determine who could have committed such a heinous crime and why.

In the aftermath of Hilbert’s death, his fiancée Tonya expressed her grief and frustration over the loss of her partner. Speaking of her love for Hilbert and the devastating future their son would face without his father, Tonya shared her desperation for justice. Hilbert’s family members, particularly his brother Jesse Kirkendall, echoed her calls, pleading for the public’s help in identifying the killer. The case remained unsolved for weeks, with little evidence pointing to a clear suspect.

Bailey Sharp’s Murder and the Chase for Jared Bischoff

Just weeks after Hilbert’s murder, the Riverside community was again rocked by tragedy when 23-year-old Bailey Sharp was stabbed to death in broad daylight. On July 11, 2024, police responded to the brutal stabbing, which led to a dramatic high-speed chase spanning several Southern California freeways. The suspect, 25-year-old Navy sailor Jared Bischoff, was Sharp’s boyfriend and the man police believed was responsible for her death. After an hours-long pursuit, Bischoff was arrested without incident and charged with Sharp’s murder.

Bischoff’s arrest raised additional questions due to his connection to Tonya Hilbert, Justin Hilbert’s fiancée. Bischoff had previously been married to Tonya, and their relationship was reportedly troubled, with claims of escalating violence. Though Bischoff was charged in Sharp’s murder, investigators began examining his potential involvement in Justin Hilbert’s death. However, no direct evidence linking Bischoff to Hilbert’s murder has been found, leaving his role in that case uncertain.

Possible Connections Between the Murders

While Jared Bischoff was not officially named a suspect in Justin Hilbert’s murder, the proximity of the two deaths, combined with his troubled history, drew the attention of investigators. Interviews with friends and family highlighted that both victims had some connection to Bischoff, either directly or indirectly. Tonya Hilbert’s admission that her ex-husband had become increasingly violent before their divorce, and the discovery of disturbing text messages from Bailey Sharp, further fueled speculation.

Evidence gathered during the investigation, including shotgun shells and knives seized from Bischoff’s family home, raised concerns about his potential involvement in both murders. Law enforcement officials worked to piece together the timeline of Bischoff’s actions leading up to and following both deaths. Yet, despite the circumstantial evidence, investigators were unable to definitively tie Bischoff to Hilbert’s murder, leaving the case open for further inquiry.

The Pursuit of Justice: Trials and Legal Proceedings

Jared Bischoff currently faces charges for the murder of Bailey Sharp, with a trial expected to commence in the coming months. His arrest, following a dramatic police chase, brought immediate relief to the community, but questions linger over his possible connection to Justin Hilbert’s death. As Bischoff remains behind bars, investigators continue to work on gathering any potential evidence that could link him to both crimes.

The families of both victims have been outspoken in their demands for justice. Hilbert’s family, in particular, remains determined to see his killer brought to account, whether it be Bischoff or someone else. Bischoff’s trial for Sharp’s murder will likely shine further light on his violent tendencies and could potentially influence any future proceedings related to Hilbert’s case.

Conclusion: A Community Left Searching for Answers

As Dateline’s “Wrong Turns” illustrates, the murders of Justin Hilbert and Bailey Sharp have left lasting scars on their families and the Riverside community. While justice may come in the form of Jared Bischoff’s trial for Sharp’s murder, the unanswered questions surrounding Hilbert’s death cast a long shadow over the proceedings. As the investigation continues, Hilbert’s family clings to hope that they will one day have the answers they seek, and that those responsible for both heinous crimes will be held accountable.

With Dateline’s investigative storytelling, viewers are offered an in-depth look at the lives forever changed by these tragic events and the complexities of justice in cases marked by violence, grief, and lingering suspicion.

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