Riverdale Man Sentenced to Life Without Parole in Brother’s Death After Argument Over Body Wash

JONESBORO, Ga. – A Clayton County jury has found a man guilty of killing his older brother following a 2021 dispute, according to District Attorney Tasha M. Mosley.

29-year-old Jaylan Joseph Jones of Riverdale, GA, was convicted of Malice Murder, Felony Murder, and Aggravated Assault after a trial that concluded on March 27, 2026.

Prosecutors presented evidence showing that on March 10, 2021, Jones, aged 24 at the time, shot and killed his brother, 28-year-old Jahi L. Jones, inside their apartment after an argument. Investigators said the two had been involved in a physical altercation that had ended prior to the shooting. At the time of Jaylan’s arrest, police said they had argued after Jahi accused Jaylan of throwing away his body wash.

According to the State, as the victim attempted to re-engage in a fist fight, Jones retrieved a Romarm AK-47-style firearm, commonly known as a Draco, and fired at least 15 rounds at the unarmed victim, striking him in the face and neck.

Authorities said Jones fled the scene, traveling to Newton County where he disposed of the weapon before continuing to Alabama. He was later returned to Georgia and claimed he acted in self-defense, a claim the jury rejected.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Lauren Young and Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Breanna McKnight, with assistance from Investigator Luis Gomez and victim advocate Kelita Almond.

Judge Mason sentenced Jones to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

District Attorney Mosley said the conviction holds the defendant fully accountable for his actions.