A 16-year-old boy was shot and killed in Jonesboro, Georgia, while trying to protect a younger friend from a bully. Police arrested a 27-year-old man days later on murder charges.
The Clayton County Police Department responded to reports of a shooting around 6 p.m. on June 19 in the 800 block of Mt. Zion Road in Jonesboro. Officers found Jalil Jones suffering from gunshot wounds. He was taken to a hospital but died from his injuries.
Joshua Drew Clinton, 27, was identified as the suspect after an investigation and arrested on June 23 with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service. He faces charges including murder, cruelty to children and aggravated assault. Clinton remains in the Clayton County Jail without bond, with his next court date set for July 22.
Family friend Lyniece Wilkes told local news outlets that Jones was helping a young boy during an ongoing dispute that turned violent. She described the victim as a bubbly and funny person who had recently started a job. Wilkes launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral costs.
