By Emilie St. John
Contributing Writer
COMPTON — A local man has been charged with murder and child cruelty for allegedly shooting his 9-year-old autistic son outside the boy’s grandfather’s home.
Nicholas Jones, 32, pleaded not guilty to the charges of murder and willful cruelty to a child resulting in injury or death Dec. 3, according to court records. The murder charge includes an allegation of personal and intentional discharge of a firearm, while the child cruelty charge has an allegation of willful harm or injury resulting in death.
Jones remains jailed in lieu of $2 million bail, according to jail records. He is due back in a Compton courtroom Jan. 7, when a date will be set for a hearing to determine if there is enough evidence for him to stand trial.
The family identified the victim as Princeton Nicholas Jones.
Detectives arrested Jones on Dec. 1 for murder and child abuse resulting in death and was booked at East Los Angeles Sheriff’s Station, according to a news release issued by the Sheriff’s Department.
The shooting was reported at about 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30 in the 15000 block of Haskins Avenue, according to the Sheriff’s Department.
Upon arrival, deputies located Princeton in the backyard of the residence suffering from a gunshot wound to his body. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The boy’s said he was shot in front of his grandparent’s house.
“My goal … was to give him the proper teachings and all the things that he needed in order to navigate this world independently one day,” said his mother, Creole Green. “I’m just devastated that my son’s life … the door was shut in front of him at 9 years old.”
The community initially believed the boy’s death was a result of gang violence.
“There is currently a cease-fire in Compton so we were concerned this was gang-related and fortunately that isn’t the case,” said a community member who declined to be identified.
The family has established a GoFundMe account to assist with burial and funeral expenses.
“Diagnosed with mild autism at the age of 2, Princeton worked tirelessly with the loving support of his mother and began speaking fluently by the age of 5,” the family said in its GoFundMe post.. “Princeton was a beacon of joy, lighting up every room he entered with his humor and infectious smile. He was adored by his friends, family and community, who all cherished the incredible person he was becoming.”
The fundraising had raised nearly $40,000 as of Dec. 3.
“We are reaching out to our community and beyond for support during this incredibly difficult time,” said Najee Ali, director of Project Islamic Hope. “Your help, no matter the size, will mean the world to our family as we navigate this unimaginable loss. If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this page with others.”
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Those who prefer to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 800- 222-8477 or lacrimestoppers.org.
City News Service contributed to this report.
Emilie St. John is a freelance journalist covering the areas of Carson, Compton, Inglewood and Willowbrook. Send tips to her at emiliesaintjohn@gmail.com.
