Jalen Paul Jones was an 18-year-old Rickards High School student from Tallahassee who died on his birthday, January 26, 2021. He was found behind a Shell gas station on Woodville Highway, near a walking trail that led to the apartment complex where he lived, having suffered a fatal gunshot wound. His death was treated as a homicide.

The Leon County Sheriff’s Office led the investigation. A 17-year-old from Quincy, Mario Sailor, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder with a firearm and armed robbery with a firearm after investigators linked him to the shooting; authorities said items taken from Jalen included a cell phone, a firearm, and U.S. currency. Sailor allegedly confessed during a sworn interview and was held without bond; a Leon County grand jury later indicted him on first-degree murder and armed robbery charges. Reports in court described Sailor as connected to a local gang feud and said he was being adjudicated as an adult because of the charges.

Jalen’s family, friends, and the Tallahassee community mourned his loss. Does anyone have information about Jalen’s last movements or the walking trail area behind the Shell on Woodville Highway?