It's punishable by death.

Lights and Sirens Corey Jones shooting: Palm Beach Gardens shares in ‘sorrow and desire for all of the facts’

October 23, 2015 | Sarah Peters

Palm Beach Gardens went all out to welcome hundreds of people who rallied for Corey Jones near the police station Thursday morning, afterward issuing a statement that it shares in their sorrow.

Here’s an excerpt from the statement from city spokeswoman Candice Temple:

“Today the City of Palm Beach Gardens welcomed hundreds of citizens and family members of Mr. Corey Jones to facilitate their expression of loss and concern about the officer-involved shooting that led to Mr. Jones’ death. We share in their sorrow and desire for all of the facts related to this tragedy to be known. We also respect the peaceful and genuine expressions shared at today’s events.”

Palm Beach Gardens Police Chief Stephen Stepp talks to the media about the shooting of Corey Jones. (Greg Lovett/The Palm Beach Post) The statement also indicates the city is committed to cooperating fully with any other appropriate investigations into the fatal shooting of 31-year-old Boynton Beach resident Corey Jones. Police have said Jones was killed by Palm Beach Gardens Officer Nouman Raja about 3:15 a.m. Sunday on the southbound ramp of Interstate 95 at PGA Boulevard.

Family and friends said Jones, a drummer, was waiting for a tow truck because his vehicle had broken down. Raja was not in uniform, and the unmarked vehicle he was driving wasn’t equipped with a dash cam.

While the city has released few details, the state attorney told family members Thursday that Raja fired six shots. Palm Beach Gardens Councilwoman Marcie Tinsley said Wednesday she wants an outside investigation, in addition to the sheriff’s and “we have been in touch with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement,” in addition to the sheriff and state attorney.

The Florida Democratic Black Caucus Palm Beach County Chapter on Thursday called for the Department of Justice to conduct an independent investigation.

Palm Beach Gardens is cooperating with the sheriff’s office and state attorney, Temple said in the statement:

“The city also is similarly committed to cooperating fully with any other appropriate investigations into these events at the local, state or federal level. We respect the deep sense of loss being felt by Mr. Jones’ family and the community, and recognize the significant concern that all have regarding full disclosure of all facts relevant to this tragic incident.

We share the family and the community’s deep interest in a timely and thorough investigation of all relevant facts and evidence, and the public disclosure of those findings as soon as possible. While we are sensitive to the need and desire for investigative conclusions to be shared, it is essential that appropriate time be allotted to determine the facts and the truth –to get it right.”

The city looks forward to Jones’ family and the public being apprised of all details, Temple said in the statement.




Sure.... We'll get all the 'facts'

Sun Sentinel

Public shows up to town hall meeting to discuss Corey Jones shooting
Kate Jacobson, Adam Sacasa 9:08 pm, October 23, 2015




They vented their frustrations. They demanded answers from local politicians, clergy members, lawyers and law enforcement.

A few hundred people late Friday attended a town hall meeting called to address issues surrounding the shooting death of Corey Jones.

The night meeting was hosted by the F. Malcolm Cunningham Bar Association at the Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church in West Palm Beach. The audience asked about and discussed issues of law enforcement policy, systemic racism in the criminal justice system and the oversight of police and use of force.

Jones, 31, was shot and killed by Palm Beach Gardens Police Officer Nouman Raja, 38, on Sunday just after 3 a.m. at the PGA Boulevard off-ramp of Interstate 95.

Jones was sitting in his broken-down SUV waiting for a tow when Raja approached him in an unmarked, 15-passenger van with tinted windows, not in uniform and did not show Jones a badge, attorneys for Jones' family have said.

Riviera Beach Police Chief Clarence Williams discussed the proper procedure for a plainclothes officer approaching someone. He said it's the responsibility of the officer to make sure they're not placing themselves in a dangerous situation and to make sure they've clearly identified who they are.

"A plainclothes police officer approached [Jones], and there were a number of options available to that officer to make sure that that minor encounter didn't result in the death of a young man," Williams said.

Also in attendance was Trayvon Martin's mother, Sybrina Fulton, who told attendees they need to stay vigilant in holding officials accountable and to not stop demanding justice.

"Never give up," she said. "Regardless of what they tell you, never give up."

Friday's meeting came just hours after Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw announced the FBI would assist the agency in investigating the shooting. The Sheriff's Office and the Palm Beach County State Attorney's Office are conducting independent investigations into the shooting.

"In an effort to provide the family of Corey Jones and the community with a thorough and accurate investigation, I have requested the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI, to join in the investigation and they have agreed to do so," Bradshaw said in a statement Friday. "I welcome their expertise and believe that this will ensure the highest level of scrutiny and impartiality."

Soon after the sheriff's statement, the FBI confirmed it would join the investigation. As recently as Thursday, the FBI told the Sun Sentinel the agency was "in regular contact with local authorities" and "prepared to investigate" should the need arise.

Brynes Guillaume, president of the F. Malcolm Cunningham Bar Association, said the sheriff asking a federal agency to investigate the shooting shows officials want to be as thorough and transparent as possible.

"We just want the facts," he said. "We just want to know why Corey ended up dead."

Jones' death has attracted national attention amid a lingering uproar over the use of force by police, from Ferguson, Mo., to Baltimore, involving young black men.

Earlier Friday, supporters of Jones' family gathered at Bible Church of God in Boynton Beach, where Jones' grandfather, Sylvester Banks Sr., is the pastor.

McCray said he wants unity in the community. He said he grew up with Jones' uncles and said Jones played the drums for him at the Peace and Feast in August, a neighborhood event that drew throngs of people.

"We tried to educate our people on gun violence, had the police out there and engaged with them because we can't live in a lawless society," McCray said. "We have to learn how to get along on both sides."

The gatherings followed Thursday's peaceful rally outside of the Palm Beach Gardens Police Department, which drew several hundred people.

The day of Jones' killing, the drummer had left a gig with his band, Future Prezidents, at a Jupiter bar, Jones' family said. He was heading home to Boynton Beach when he ran into vehicle trouble, causing him to pull his Hyundai Santa Fe to the side of I-95 near the PGA Boulevard exit ramp.

After contacting a band mate and his brother, Jones decided to wait for a tow truck, his family said.

Officer Raja, wearing jeans, a T-shirt and baseball cap instead of a uniform, arrived in an unmarked department-issued van that wasn't equipped with police lights, according to the Jones family's lawyers, citing information prosecutors provided them.

Jones, who has a concealed weapons permit, had legally bought a gun days earlier, police said. What followed was a confrontation between the two men about 3:15 a.m., ending with Raja shooting at Jones six times and striking him three times, the Jones family's lawyers said.

Jones never fired at the officer, they said. His relatives suspect that Jones never even knew that the man who shot him was an officer.

Information about the shooting has slowly trickled out this past week, frustrating family members and activists. They have urged the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office and the Palm Beach County State Attorney's Office, the agencies conducting investigations, to be more transparent.

In announcing Friday that the FBI will help, Bradshaw said, "There have been many lessons learned from the tragic events that have occurred across the United States and there is nothing more important, now, than a comprehensive investigation process so we can ensure justice is served."

kjacobson@tribpub.com, 561-243-6547 or Twitter @katejacobson

that seemed more like a hit than anything else... looks like the cop picked the wrong black man to kill that time...

I hope justice can come of all of this.

In the courts, not the media, and not public opinion.

If the officer is guilty of murder, he should be subjected to the same fate as any other murderer.

If, the officer is innocent, then that should be the end of it.

a situation that has long concerned me and is hopefully a one off

Q. If two people both have 'license' to carry, and if both have a reasonable belief that the other is 'reaching' for their weapon,,,

how do we prove who was in the wrong when the other winds up dead?

why would that concern you?

Its a fair question...the FBI is involved and maybe they can find some answers. They were asked to join in and bring in more resources than the locals can.

why shouldn't it?

because you're anti gun, you'll never be in that situation...

In this case, it isn't just about a permit or license. One of the parties involved, is a certified law enforcement officer.

Good or bad, that gives Raja the edge, when it comes to a dispute, and/or testimony in court.

If, officer Raja is guilty of murder, he should be sentenced to lethal injection, or 'life without', just like any other murderer.

I have never said I was anti gun

and it applies even if only one has a gun

if I know someone else has a gun, at what point can I legally consider that a potential lethal threat, at what point can I defend myself without being the one determined to be guilty of an assault?

its much harder if both have a gun and no one is bruised

but what if the gun carrier does get hurt while the potential victim merely defends themselves from a reasonably perceived threat?


I know , already, society will possibly say that my death is my fault for merely defending against an armed threat

but what if there is not even that much for them to go on? what if the deceased has no bruise nor the killer? what if they both were equally 'armed' and it was a matter of who shot first , or who died?

how is justice determined?

is it a matter of wild west justice where the last one standing is right by default?

Witness statements, personal statements, confessions, whatever physical evidence can be found, historical behavior, legal arguments.

When a wife kills her husband how do you prove she did it in self defense because he was beating her rather than he hurt her trying to defend himself.


There's a huge difference between someone being "right" and someone being "not guilty," or a trial not being pursued due to a lack of evidence.


Sometimes it's not.

Blanket response:
Gnome, how could Raja be not guilty if he didn't identify (he didn't) the van had no lights or identifying features (it didn't) and Mr. Jones didn't discharge his weapon (he didn't)? ....

Good question Ms.

Moe it does matter even if only one person has a gun.

R A I'll give you credit for mention of who will be investigating the shooting itself but that doesn't exactly answer Ms' question. It's relevant because this is what happened here but once again the lack of operational cameras body or dash (Raja was out of uniform and off duty) obscures what would otherwise be an open and shut case. We could have seen and possibly even heard exactly what happened that morning. The person who draws his weapon first isn't necessarily the last man standing or the one who lives to tell the tale. Raja did miss Jones 3/6 times he pulled the trigger. Had Jones intended and acted to defend himself forcibly he could be alive and the officer dead. Things would have been much much more complicated had that happened.

For all gun owners,
3am your car breaks down and your waiting along an interstate ramp for a tow truck. You have your legal licensed weapon should anyone try to rob you or worse.
Ask yourselves these questions:
If a 15 passenger van with tinted windows and no i.d. markings pulls up unannounced a guy in jeans and a t-shirt jumps out and starts questioning you without telling you he's an officer or showing any badge or i.d. and he reaches for his gun what would you do? Would you tell him you have a gun? Would you show your gun? Would you draw and would you fire?
Heres the biggie... IF you feeling threatened did fire and hit this dubious character that just showed up when your car was disabled and you had no other recourse when things got hairy, would you have been wrong, criminal, guilty of attempted murder or murder, then of an officer since he was never identiftied to you as such?
The answer is the same no matter if he lives or dies. YOU LOSE. What's wrong with this?

Unless you're claiming to have witnessed the event, you don't know, that Raja didn't identify himself as law enforcement. Unmarked vehicle, plain clothes, big deal. Raja still has a badge, and more importantly, an identification card, that identify him as a police officer.

You have nothing, that says Raja failed to identify himself.

You have nothing, that says Jones didn't pull his weapon on the officer.

The only facts known, are that Raja was in an unmarked vehicle, and in plain clothes. Jones had a concealed carry permit, and can reasonably be presumed "armed". And somewhere in the wee hours, Raja shot and killed Jones.

As you weren't there, you don't know if the shooting was unjustified.

As I wasn't there, I don't know that it was justified.

So yeah.
It's a big fat IF, if Raja is guilty of an actual crime.

Perhaps, when the investigation is completed, it'll have been determined to be a case of NHI.

Sometimes it isn't, you're absolutely correct about that and about the difference between being right and/or guilty not guilty.
The question isn't about any shooting between people who have history or bad blood. It's about situations like this where there is no history or physical evidence aside from spent brass and blood stains. That's what we have here. If both parties had fired their guns, you have mutual aggression or affirmed defense (arguably if that State has such a legal provision). Here only the unidentified officer fired 6 times. Why......
Had both fired its near impossible to tell who fired first unless the trajectory is such that it couldn't possibly come near its target (riggor trigger). If both hit or come close and no one else is there and both live, how can you tell? If one lives the other has obvious difficulty proving their innocence. The survivor having done almost everything wrong given the circumstances could have VERY easily defused any tension before any arrose by showing his badge or i.d. and or calling it in.
The wife is almost always not guilty or favored by the courts.....

So given your response, any registered gun owner can be presumed 'armed and dangerous' by an unidentified police officer, shot and killed and you're ok with that because he has a badge? We do know that Jones didn't fire his gun, and it wasn't until the FBI was mentioned that we learned he at least owned a legal registered gun.

To be totally honest, I dont give 2 flying fricks if YOU give me credit for a gotdam thing. Your....this thread, was biased from the title. YOUR mind is already made up before ANY evidence is discussed.

Lets look at YOUR comment from the OP....

"" Sure.... We'll get all the 'facts'""...you made damn sure to emphasize 'facts', desite the local authorities agreeing to turn over the investigation to the feds.
Lets be real....you dont want the truth...you want a cop hung....if not, you would let the investigation play out.....but anyone being totally honest, knows thats not the narrative you wanna push.
Speaking of that narrative, the victims family doesn't want it pushed either....

"" The Jones family wants more than that, too,
like an explanation of why it took them about
38 hours to learn that Corey had been killed.
But what they don't want, brother C.J. said, is
for this fatal shooting to be turned into a racial
issue.
Yes, Corey Jones was African-American, as
were Michael Brown and Eric Garner , who died
in confrontations with police officers that stirred
up tensions and a nationwide debate over
interactions between blacks and police. But
race is not necessarily relevant here.
"This is not a black thing," C.J. said, noting
his own wife is white. "... No disrespect about
Black Lives Matter, (but) all lives matter. And
my brother had plenty of friends -- white
friends, Asian friends, it didn't matter.""
http://www.cnn.com/2015/10/22/us/florida-officer-corey-jones-shooting/

RockGnome has the right idea....let the investigation play out, and then let the chips fall where they may.

1. You're not smart enough to think for me. So, don't even try.

I won't presume to think for you.

2. You're speculating, that Raja didn't verbally identify himself as law enforcement. You're speculating, that Raja didn't show his law enforcement credentials; badge and police identification card.

3. Any person with a concealed carry permit, IS presumed "armed".
That is, after all, the whole point of having the permit. To be armed.

4. A permit to carry, doesn't exempt anyone from following commands of law enforcement.

5. I didn't speculate on Raja's guilt, or innocence. Matter of factly, I clearly stated, that if Raja is indeed guilty, as determined in a court of law, he should be put to death. Just like any other murderer.

Might wanna work on your reading comprehension skills.


But, since you wanna play the speculation game...

With the evidence and testimony you've provided, Jones' death is clearly a case of suicide by cop.

Wait!

With the evidence and testimony you've provided, Jones sucked so badly as a drummer, Raja was clearly doing a favour for society.

interesting,,

the man purchased a gun for protection and pulled over to the side of the road,,,,did he then exit and walk away from the car on a dark highway?

if not,, why was his body so far from where he had been sitting in his car?


could it be another freaked out cop, who overreacted to a fright?



,,,,,the investigation continues ,,, of course,,,

is it just me,or have some already hung the Cop?