WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (WSVN) — Corey Jones’ parents are speaking out, Thursday morning, as the case of their son, who was shot and killed by a Palm Beach Gardens police officer, moves into the hands of a grand jury.
"Pray for my family, we need your prayers," said Jones’ father, Reverend Clinton Jones Sr. "We are hurting."
Wednesday afternoon, the state attorney’s office announced that a grand jury will examine whether there is a case to prosecute former Palm Beach Gardens police officer Nouman Raja in the alleged shooting death of Jones.
"It’s been a hard six months of waiting, waiting and waiting," said Jones. "We don’t have any closure, yet. We need closure and justice for Corey."
The family has expressed their hope that the grand jury will lead them to justice, despite seeing it as a setback. "We are sad at the decision to go to grand jury," said mother Katie Jones. "We were optimistic for a direct file. Now, we are optimistic for this process."
The family attorney said if the state attorney wants an indictment that the grand jury will likely hand one down. "This is clearly in the hands of the prosecutors office to do justice for Corey Jones," said family attorney Benjamin Crump.
Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg said they have evidence, and to have faith in the system. "Our office interviewed 230 people in more than 30 states and three countries," said Aronberg.
Aronberg announced that they will have a decision by June 30, but will not be lead on this case when presenting to the grand jury.
On Oct. 18, 2015, the 31-year-old church drummer was on his way to a gig when his SUV broke down on an Interstate 95 off ramp, in Palm Beach Gardens. Jones was waiting for a tow truck when Raja approached him in an unmarked car. He was on-duty but not in uniform.
The officer fired six shots at Jones, hitting him three times, according to officials.