Theodore B. Jones, a 52-year-old Black man also known as Ted, was shot and killed on November 7, 2020, after returning to his home on Beech Street in North Braddock, Pennsylvania, during what investigators described as a burglary in progress. Jones had dropped off his 6-year-old son earlier and returned home that afternoon; the child later told police an unfamiliar Jeep Grand Cherokee was parked in their usual space and a black safe from inside the house was sitting in the alley. Several men reportedly came out of the house, and Jones was shot multiple times; the boy hid behind a vehicle, retrieved his father’s phone and called 911. Jones was taken to UPMC Mercy Hospital and pronounced dead.

Police linked evidence at the scene and nearby to the burglary and shooting: tracking dogs led officers to a handgun, shell casings, and two black ski masks on Oak Street, and a ski mask was found on the front porch railing. A fingerprint on the safe matched the right pinky of Jawaun Austin, then 17. An arrest announced December 31, 2020, named 18-year-old Duwan Carey on criminal homicide, burglary and conspiracy charges; Austin was later charged with homicide, burglary and conspiracy as well. Family and friends remembered Jones as loyal and generous; his sister said he started Ted’s Roofing and Siding and sponsored local youth sports.

Does anyone have information about the burglary or who was present that afternoon?