Julian Jones: A Life Lost to Gun Violence, and the N.B.A. Star Who Abetted It
This article reveals the sad story of Julian Jones, a young mother from Atlanta who was gunned down in a drive-by shooting in 2011. Her death was no random act — it was related to former NBA player Javaris Crittenton’s quest to get even with somebody else.
In plain terms, this article traces how a young life brimming with love and promise was snuffed out, how the investigation unfolded, and what happened in court. We also discuss how a plea deal resulted in Crittenton’s early release, and left Julian’s family feeling broken by the justice system.
This story is a reflection on the cruel consequences of gun violence, the ripple effect on family and friends, and the spiritual journey involved in forgiving those who create such unimaginable pain.
With this tragic case, we once again highlight the devastating human cost of violence and the ongoing call for justice, which provides the peace of mind that every grieving family deserves.
Julian Jones, Loving Mother, Gone Too Soon
Julian Chairé Jones, also known as Peepeye, was 22 years old when she died. She resided in Southeast Atlanta and had overcome a difficult childhood. It was with adoptive parents that she had such a happy life, her biological mother, a supportive family, and her fiancé, Ha’Rel Butler Sr., after getting pregnant at the age of 13. At the time of her death, she cared for four children — Jacori, Aza’Rel, Jha’Riel, and Ha’Rel Jr.
It was Aug. 19, 2011, and Julian was on the sidewalk in front of her house on Macon Drive. At some point, a black Chevy Tahoe drove up and opened fire on them. She was shot multiple times in the leg. A witness made a 911 call, but Julian died during surgery.
Her children, ranging from 0 to 8 years old, were forced to grow up without their mother. Her family remembered her as kind and devoted; they said she had long worked to make a better life. Julian’s story is a reminder that violence doesn’t just take lives, but leaves a pain that never goes away.
NBA Player Javaris Crittenton Was A Prime Suspect
He was identified as the shooter when the 911 call was made: Javaris Crittenton. A witness knew him from the days when he played in the N.B.A. Crittenton and had just rented a black Tahoe—the exact vehicle that was used in the shooting. Police discovered he had recently rented it, just days before, from a location near his home.
He had also been linked to another shooting five days earlier, with ties to a black Tahoe. This first attack occurred in the 50 Mount Zion area, one that Crittenton frequented. He had been robbed in April and was looking for the person who did it — Trontavious Stephens. Police say they think Crittenton was shooting at Stephens and accidentally struck Julian instead.
In a matter of days, the police had enough evidence to issue a murder warrant. Then the FBI got involved. On August 29, they put out a notice for public assistance to find Crittenton, who had left on a flight to Los Angeles. The agency cautioned that he could be violent. They thought he was trying to get away from arrest.
Crittenton Was Not Charged With Murder; He Pleaded To Manslaughter
Crittenton was taken into custody at a Southern California airport on August 29, 2011. He told the police he was returning to surrender. But police weren’t taking any chances—they shipped him back to Atlanta. His bail was set at $230,000. He was released on bond with conditions.
In 2013, Crittenton and his cousin, Douglas Gamble, were charged with 12 counts, accusing them of opening fire on two people in 2011. The charges ranged from murder and gang activity to attempted murder and gun possession. But in 2015, on the verge of trial, Crittenton took a plea. He pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and two counts of aggravated assault.
He was sentenced to 23 years in prison and could have been imprisoned for life. However, a subsequent deal with the District Attorney enabled him to walk free after just 10 years. Supervised, he was released on April 21, 2023. The revelation stunned Julian’s family. No one had notified them of the early release, and they felt left behind by the justice system. For them, actual justice has not yet been served.
The Pain Still Lives With Julian’s Family
Julian’s murder ripped her family apart. It was her mother, adoptive parents, and children who were left to make sense of the wreckage. Although her adoptive mother says that she has pardoned Crittenton, the heartbreak remains. Faith, she says, helped her make peace with what happened, but she can’t forget.
Julian’s children are now left to grow up without their mother. The family maintains her memory and speaks of her love and strength. They say the justice system failed them. They never heard about the plea deal and feel like Crittenton didn’t fully pay for what he did.
The case reminds us that crime can cause deep wounds. It demonstrates that forgiveness and justice often aren’t on the same side. Even when punitive pain is inflicted, the pain doesn’t go away. Julian’s case is now part of sweeping calls for improving how victims’ families are treated in the legal process.
FAQs
Who was Julian Jones?
Julian Jones had left behind four children in Atlanta, Georgia. They called her “Peepeye,” and her family cherished her.
How did Julian Jones die?
She was killed in a drive-by shooting on August 19, 2011, in front of her house in Atlanta. She was shot multiple times and died during surgery.
Who shot whom?
The shooter was later determined to have been the former United States professional basketball player Javaris Crittenton. He shot at another student and struck Julian, who was not involved.
What were the charges against Crittenton?
He was charged with 12 counts, including murder, but ultimately pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and was sentenced to 23 years.
Crittenton is still in prison?
No, he was released in early April 2023 after serving 10 years as part of a plea deal.
What did Julian’s family say?
They were heartbroken and taken aback by his early release. Although they feel justice has not been completely served, they still celebrate Julian’s memory.
Final Words
Julian Jones was a loving mother, daughter, and fiancée who was lost to a stray bullet in a meaningless act of violence. The man who did it was a former professional athlete on the Seattle Seagulls team, and he did some time, but he left behind questions and pain, too.
Her family’s odyssey — of death and forgiveness and the quest for justice — illustrates how gun violence’s effects last forever. As her children grow up without her, her case is a haunting example of how justice has to be more than a prison term. Fair, too, and thorough and compassionate toward those left behind.
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