Jones’ family had been cautiously optimistic for charges against Raja when Aronberg announced he would be referring the case to a grand jury last month, but said they received assurances from Aronberg and Chief Assistant State Attorneys Brian Fernandes and Adrienne Ellis that they would present a “strong case” to the panel. (AP) A fired Florida police officer was arrested and charged Wednesday with manslaughter and attempted murder in the fatal shooting of a legally armed black musician after prosecutors say an audio recording and physical evidence show the musician had thrown his weapon to the ground and was running away when the lethal round was sacked. Raja could face life in prison if convicted of the murder charge.
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Charging documents released Wednesday by prosecutors state that, according to an audio recording of the interaction, at no point did Officer Raja identify himself to Jones as a police officer, he was not wearing his tactical vest identifying him as a police officer, and drove his vehicle his vehicle was not immediately distinguishable as a police vehicle.
Raja’s brother, Palm Beach County sheriff’s deputy Adnan Raja, sat in a bench on one side of the courtroom, while friends and family members of Jones sat on the other side. “The conduct of officer Raja was reprehensible and an insult to all good police work that is done in America”.
The former Florida police officer who shot and killed a church musician has been arrested for the shooting death.
Raja had claimed he was in fear for his life because Jones had pulled out a gun. Jones was armed at the time with a weapon he had purchased legally just three days earlier when he was approached by Raja, a plainclothes officer in an unmarked vehicle.
Jones, 31, was fatally shot by the former Palm Beach Gardens police officer a year ago.
Jones was black. Raja is Indian-American.
Jones was armed but had a concealed weapons permit. “Instead, Raja confrontationally replied by asking the single word “really?’ when Jones twice said ‘I’m good” the affidavit said.
Before the Jones shooting, Raja apparently had no major incidents, including use of force. “Get your (expletive) hands up!” Raja then gave his location and said he had shot a person, requesting fire-rescue.
“Get your (expletive) hands up”, Raja said. He said Jones was shot three times. A handgun was not found near Jones’ body, but instead about 72 feet from the rear of Jones’ vehicle, the affidavit says.
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On April 27, Aronberg chose to not directly file charges and sent the case to a grand jury.
