ST. LOUIS, MO — Jonathon Xavier Jones, a 19-year-old previously detained for a homicide charge, now faces additional charges of murder, armed criminal action, and unlawful use of a weapon. This follows his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Jadun M. Byrd in 2022. At the time of the incident, Jones was 17 and has since been certified to stand trial as an adult.
The shooting occurred on March 2, 2022, in the 2400 block of Whittier Street in St. Louis. Police responding to the scene discovered Byrd in a parking lot, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He later succumbed to his injuries at a hospital.
According to witness statements, a white Dodge Journey was seen driving around the area before the shooting. The vehicle reportedly approached Byrd as he walked into the parking lot, and shots were fired from the driver’s side of the vehicle after the window was rolled down.
Jones, who had previously escaped from a juvenile detention facility, was already in custody on unrelated charges at the time these additional charges were filed. He remains detained as the case progresses, with authorities underscoring the seriousness of the allegations and the ongoing judicial process.