9-Year-Old Boy with Autism Allegedly Fatally Shot at Grandfather’s Home in California
(Image: GoFundMe/abc7)
A Los Angeles man has been arrested in connection with the tragic shooting death of his 9-year-old son in Compton over the weekend. Nicholas Jones, 32, was taken into custody on Sunday and charged with murder and child abuse resulting in death, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
The incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. on Saturday in the area of Haskins Avenue, near Visalia Avenue. The child, identified as Princeton Nicholas Jones, was reportedly at his grandfather’s house at the time of the shooting. His mother, Creole Green, described him as a boy with autism, deeply saddened by the loss, told CBS News.
“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,” Green said in an emotional interview. “I’m just devastated that my son’s life… the door was shut in front of him at nine years old.”
Deputies found the young boy suffering from a gunshot wound in the backyard of the home. He was pronounced dead at the scene. “The City of Compton mourns the loss of the 9-year-old boy who was killed on Saturday evening in West Rancho Dominguez,” the city stated in a press release on Sunday, as reported by PEOPLE.
In honor of Princeton, a vigil was held on Sunday evening, where community leaders voiced their concern and called for an end to gun violence. Paulette Gibson, president of the Compton NAACP, spoke out, saying, “This is our community. It is unfortunate that our young people can’t feel safe in their own community.”
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help cover funeral expenses and provide support for the grieving family. The page reads, “We are heartbroken to share the tragic loss of Princeton Nicholas Jones, a bright, loving 9-year-old whose life was taken far too soon. Born in 2015, Princeton was a truly special young man with a brilliant mind and a warm heart.”
As of Monday, the campaign had raised over $34,000, surpassing its $30,000 goal. The family expressed their deep appreciation for the support, stating, “Your help, no matter the size, will mean the world to our family as we navigate this unimaginable loss.”
While the investigation is ongoing, the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services declined to comment on any involvement with the family due to confidentiality laws, stating, “State law prohibits us from commenting on our possible involvement with families.” Additional details about the shooting and the arrest remain unclear.
