Kimes appear on Biography

The sordid tale of SantZ and Kenneth Kimes will appear on the A&E television program, "Biography" at 8 p.m. tonight.

SantZ Kimes, who graduated from Carson High School in 1952 under the name Sandy Chambers, and her son, are the topic of the piece. The pair was convicted in the death of a New York socialite and face charges in the death of Californian David Kasdin.

One of the sources for the program, Nevada State Archivist Guy Rocha, said producers were able to find and interview Kimes' sister for the program.

Rocha said the production company was seeking information about Kimes' early life.

SantZ Kimes moved to Carson City after she was adopted by Ed and Mary Chambers in 1947.

"They interviewed me in the old Assembly chambers this summer," Rocha said. "SantZ was controlling and manipulating and those things contributed to her being a predator. My profile of SantZ is one of prey becoming a predator."

Kimes was born in 1934 Oklahoma and put up for adoption at the age of 10 by her prostitute mother. She was adopted by the Chamberses on her 13th birthday.

"The power SantZ had was her sexuality," Rocha said. "She manipulated all men, including both her sons. What makes her so distinctive is that she groomed her son to be a killer."

Kimes lived in Carson City on the corner of Division and Long streets.

In his book "Son of a Grifter," which was co-authored by Mark Schone, son Kent Walker details Kimes' life in Las Vegas.

The Kimeses have been the subject of several articles and television programs, including an in-depth article appearing in Vanity Fair and a made-for-TV movie starring Mary Tyler Moore as SantZ.

Rocha said hints of an incestuous relationship between SantZ and Kenneth Kimes only show just how dark the story of the pair -- and their exploits -- became.