Jessica’s father, Ben Chambers, worked as a mechanic for the Panola County Sheriff’s Office. In an interview, Ben was confident that the authorities would find their daughter’s killer. According to him, “…It takes time, you know, everything doesn’t happen overnight. I’ve got faith in them, we’ve got one of the most wonderful sheriffs in the world.”

On that fateful night of December 6, 2014, police scrambled to the scene where a car fire took place in Courtland after receiving a 911 call. They were greeted by the car up in flames and by Jessica who was already badly burned beyond recognition when they arrived. She was still alive, so they immediately flew her to a local hospital. Soon after, she died upon arrival.