Aiyana Jones’ father sentenced for Je’Rean Blake’s murder

Update: Aiyana Jones’ father, Charles Jones, was resentenced in 2019 to 10 – 20 years after pleading guilty to manslaughter.

Original story

Remember 7-year-old Detroit girl Aiyana Jones who was killed in 2010 by Detroit police?

Detroit police raided the home where Aiyana resided looking for the suspects in the killing of 17-year-old Je’Rean Blake. One of those alleged suspects was Aiyana’s father, Charles Jones.

The story of Je’Rean Blake became a popular story on Unheard Voices, as family members of Blake were upset over the unequal amount of coverage his murder was receiving.

After four years, his family might have some justice as Charles Jones was sentenced to 40-60 years in jail for Blake’s murder.

Jones also received 10-20 years for perjury in the case for reportedly lying during a grand jury hearing.

Jones lawyer, Mr. Weiss, maintains that his client did not give his co-defendant, Chauncey Owens, the gun that killed Je’Rean Blake. Weiss noted the jury acquitted Jones on the weapons charges but found him guilty on the murder charges, which will be the basis for an appeal for a new trial.

“I’m terribly sorry for your loss, but Je’Rean’s murder has nothing to do with me,” Jones said. “If my being convicted brings you any relief, then so be it.”

Blake’s mother, Lyvonne Cargill, read a letter during the sentencing asking Judge Skutt to give Jones the maximum time allowed in prison for her son’s murder.

“You helped take away so much from my family,” said Cargill. “I have not had a full night’s sleep in 47 months. I still long to hold my son.”

Assistant Wayne County Prosecutor Robert Moran said Jones “provided the instrument of death” to Owens and said the jury considered “ample” evidence and testimony to convict Jones.

Source : Detroit News