A Los Angeles man has been arrested in connection with the tragic shooting death of his 9-year-old son in Compton over the weekend. Nicholas Jones, 32, was arrested Sunday and charged with murder and child abuse resulting in death, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
The incident occurred around 7:30 pm Saturday in the area of Haskins Avenue, near Visalia Avenue. The boy, identified as Princeton Nicholas Jones, was reportedly at his grandfather’s house at the time of the shooting. His mother, Creole Green, described him as a child with autism, deeply saddened by the loss, she said. CBS News.
“My goal… was to give him the right teachings and all the things he needed to be able to navigate this world independently one day,” Green said in an emotional interview. “I’m devastated that my son’s life… the door closed on him when he was nine years old.”
The officers found the young man with a gunshot wound in the backyard of the house. He was pronounced dead at the scene. “The city of Compton mourns the loss of the 9-year-old boy who was murdered Saturday night in West Rancho Dominguez,” the city said in a news release Sunday, as reported PEOPLE.
In honor of Princeton, a vigil was held Sunday night, where community leaders expressed their concern and called for an end to gun violence. Paulette Gibson, president of the Compton NAACP, spoke and said, “This is our community. “It is unfortunate that our young people cannot feel safe in their own community.”
TO GoFundMe campaign has been created to help cover funeral expenses and provide support to the grieving family. The page reads: “We are heartbroken to share the tragic loss of Princeton Nicholas Jones, a bright and loving 9-year-old boy whose life was taken too soon. Born in 2015, Princeton was a truly special young man with a brilliant mind and a warm heart.”
As of Monday, the campaign had raised more than $34,000, surpassing its goal of $30,000. The family expressed their deep gratitude for the support, stating, “Your help, no matter the size, will mean the world to our family as we navigate this unimaginable loss.”
While the investigation is ongoing, the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services declined to comment on any involvement with the family due to confidentiality laws, stating: “State law prohibits us from commenting on our possible involvement with families.” Additional details about the shooting and arrest are still unclear.