WEST PALM BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - The family of Corey Jones, who was shot and killed by a former police officer, celebrated their loved one’s birthday.

A year and three months after Jones’ death, his family has many questions. “Friday was our special day. He came to work with me, and I don’t have him any more,” said Jones’ father, Clinton Jones Sr.

On Friday, Jones’ family honored the drummer’s birthday at a luncheon in West Palm Beach. “Today would’ve been Corey Jones’ 33rd birthday,” said attorney Benjamin Crump. “As we celebrate his birthday and his life, the fitting gift to the legacy of Corey Jones is to give him justice, full justice! Not partial justice!”

The past year has proven to be a challenging one for Jones’ family. “This has been a tough and trying time for this family,” said Jones’ father. “I really miss my son. My son was gunned down for no apparent reason, and it’s just hard for me to deal with.”

Jones was shot and killed by former Palm Beach Gardens Police officer Nouman Raja in October of 2015. Prosecutors said Jones, a drummer living in Boynton Beach, stopped his car off Interstate 95 and PGA Boulevard, in the early morning hours because of car trouble. Raja allegedly pulled up, approached Jones, then fatally shot him.

Raja was working a burglary detail and in plain clothes. Prosecutors said he never identified himself as an officer. Jones was on the phone, calling for road service. The confrontation with Raja was recorded and has been entered into evidence.

“You good?” Raja asked Jones.

“I’m good,” Jones responded.

“Really?”

“Yeah, I’m good.”

“Really?”

“Yeah.”

“Get your [expletive] hands up! Get your [expletive] hands up!”

“Hold on. Hold on, man.”

“Drop!”

Five gunshots are then heard.

Raja said he shot Jones in self-defense after he pulled a gun on him.

“Corey never fired his weapon,” Crump said. “Even though he had a license permit, he ran, and [Raja] hunted him down and killed him like a dog.”

Raja was charged with attempted first-degree murder and manslaughter. He has pleaded not guilty and placed on house arrest. His trial is expected to start this summer.

Jones’ family will also hold a performance at the Arts Garage in Delray Beach, where they will release the music the drummer recorded along with his former band. The proceeds from the event will go to a scholarship fund set up in his name.

Copyright 2024 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join our Newsletter for the latest news right to your inbox