Police arrested Joshua Clinton after the June 19 shooting death of 16-year-old Jalil Jones.
CLAYTON COUNTY, GA — A 16-year-old boy was shot and killed June 19 on Mt. Zion Road after what police described as an ongoing dispute involving several people escalated into gunfire.
Clayton County police said detectives arrested Joshua Clinton in connection with the death of Jalil Jones, whose killing has drawn grief across a Jonesboro community. The case remains active as investigators review witness statements, follow leads and look at whether other people were involved.
Officers responded to the 800 block of Mt. Zion Road in unincorporated Jonesboro after the shooting. Jones was found with a gunshot wound and taken to a hospital, where he later died. Police said the shooting grew out of a dispute involving multiple people, but they have not released a full account of what led to the confrontation. Family friend and mentor Lyniece Wilkes said Jones had stepped in to help a younger boy who was being bullied. “He was outside trying to help and protect a young boy who needed help at the time,” Wilkes said.
Detectives with the Clayton County Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division identified Clinton as a suspect after follow-up interviews and other investigative leads, police said. On June 23, investigators developed additional evidence that helped establish probable cause for charges. Police said Clinton was taken into custody with help from the U.S. Marshals Service and the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office. He was booked into the Clayton County Jail. Authorities have not released the names of any other people believed to have been part of the dispute, and they have not said whether more arrests are expected.
Clinton faces several charges tied to the homicide investigation, including murder, aggravated assault, reckless conduct, cruelty to children, contributing to the deprivation of a child resulting in serious injury or death, battery, tampering with evidence, discharging a firearm near a public roadway and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Police also said detectives linked Clinton to a separate shooting that happened after Jones was killed. Authorities said additional charges were obtained in that case, but they have not released details about where that shooting happened or whether anyone was injured.
The killing left a growing memorial near the scene on Mt. Zion Road, where people placed items in memory of Jones. Wilkes said Jones was known in the area and had recently been trying to move forward with school, work and plans for more independence. “He was well respected,” Wilkes said. “He was a 16-year-old kid. We took a big loss here in Jonesboro.” She said Jones had started a job, was working toward getting his driver’s permit and was expected to begin school in August.
Police have described the investigation as ongoing. Detectives are still pursuing leads, reviewing the roles of others who may have been involved and gathering information connected to both the fatal shooting and the separate shooting Clinton was later linked to. As of Friday night, officials had not announced a court date for Clinton or released a detailed timeline of the moments before gunfire broke out. The case is being handled as a juvenile homicide investigation because Jones was 16.
Wilkes said the days after Jones’ death have been difficult for those who knew him. “It’s still surreal, just knowing that I can’t just call and check up,” she said. A fundraising effort has been started to help with funeral and burial costs. Wilkes said her focus remains on remembering Jones and supporting those grieving his death, rather than speaking at length about the suspect. “We just want to make sure justice is served and that he has a great homegoing,” she said.
Clinton remained in the Clayton County Jail as the investigation continued. Police said detectives are still following additional leads in the June 19 shooting on Mt. Zion Road.
Author note: Last updated June 27, 2026.