N.J. State Grand Jury Declines To Indicted Police Officer In August 2023 Newark’s West Side Park Fatality

Thursday, May 16, 2024, 8:15 A.M. ET. By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

TRENTON, NJ.- On Wednesday, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin reported, that a State Grand Jury voted not to file any criminal charges following their deliberations regarding the death of Don Jones, 50, of Newark, New Jersey, on August 29, 2023, in Newark’s West Side Park, during an encounter with Newark Police Officers and members of the U.S. Marshals New York/ New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force.

     Mr. Jones’ death was investigated by the N.J. Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability and was presented to a State Grand Jury comprised of New Jersey residents, in accordance with the Independent Prosecutor’s Directive of 2019.

     The investigation included witness interviews, a review of video footage, findings from ballistics testing, and autopsy results from the Regional Medical Examiner. The evidence, including video of the incident, was presented to the State Grand Jury. After hearing the testimony and evidence, the Grand Jury concluded its deliberations on Monday, May 13, 2024, and voted “No Bill,” concluding no criminal charges should be filed against Newark Police Officer Jasmine Jimenez.

     According to the investigation, on August 29, 2023, members of the U.S. Marshals New York/ New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force were in the area of West Side Park in the City of Newark attempting to locate Mr. Jones, who had an active warrant for his arrest in connection with a homicide that had occurred in Union City, New Jersey. The Task Force requested assistance from the Newark Police Department.

     Officers encountered Mr. Jones in the park and observed him removing a handgun from his waistband. Mr. Jones fled on foot with Task Force members and Newark Police Officers in pursuit, directing him to drop the firearm. Jones ran to an open field inside the park, where he was surrounded by police, at which time he dropped to his knees, pointing the firearm at his head, and fired. Officer Jimenez also discharged her weapon toward Mr. Jones, but the officer’s shot struck no one.

     Mr. Jones was transported to University Hospital in Newark where he succumbed to a self-inflicted gunshot wound and was pronounced deceased at 3:49 p.m.