Saxton Randall Jones, a 47-year-old captain with the Florida Highway Patrol, died on May 1, 1995, in Tallahassee, Florida. He had served 24 years after joining the force on July 7, 1969, as a member of the 36th recruit class and had been stationed in Fort Lauderdale, Naples, Lake City, Marianna, Quincy, Panama City, Madison, and Tallahassee.

His death was ruled accidental. Captain Jones was shot and killed while cleaning his service weapon; the investigation concluded the shooting was inadvertent, with no foul play, arrests, suspects, or litigation related to the incident. He was remembered by colleagues, friends, and family for his dedication to duty and his role as a family man.