Woman linked to murder jailed for prior violence

Jenessa Thurston, 21, has been sentenced to 10 months imprisonment after her past violent offenses caught up with her. She was arrested on March 12, 2026, at a Seven Hills home with Deklin Donnelly, 22. Donnelly is facing charges for the alleged kidnapping and murder of 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian, who was reportedly held for a $50 million ransom. Police found a sawn-off shotgun, ammunition, and illegal drugs at the Seven Hills property.

Thurston's jail sentence is for offenses committed last year, including assaulting her former boyfriend during a drunken rampage and breaching apprehended domestic violence orders. Court documents detail an incident where she headbutted her boyfriend, smashed property, and threatened to burn down his house. She was also convicted of assaulting a police officer.

Authorities have stated that Thurston played no direct role in the alleged kidnapping and murder of Mr. Baghsarian. However, she was found in breach of a domestic violence order protecting Donnelly. As a result, her previously imposed community correction orders were revoked, leading to the 10-month jail term with a minimum of six months.

Donnelly, considered a major player in the alleged crime, is also charged with firearm and drug offenses. Two other men, Daniel Stevens and Gerard Andrews, have also been charged in connection with Mr. Baghsarian's death. Police believe the intended target of the abduction may have been a relative of a local businessman who lived on the same street as the victim.