On February 4, 2023, 18-year-old James Jones of Huntsville, Texas, died after being shot at a large house party near 19th Street and Avenue O, close to Sam Houston State University. Responding officers found four people with gunshot wounds; all were taken to hospitals and Jones died the morning after the shooting. Another victim, 18-year-old Cruz Garcia of Livingston, Texas, died the following day.

Two suspects were arrested in connection with the shooting. Joe Lewis, 21, was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a second-degree felony, and held on $250,000 bond. Lynn Johnson, 19, was charged with assault, a first-degree misdemeanor, with bond set at $50,000. Authorities said additional charges were likely as the investigation continued.

Jones was born December 2, 2004, to Shanga Jones and Stacy Thompson and was survived by his parents, grandmother Gail Thompson, and siblings Rainee Thompson, Tarenisha Simmons, and Elton Jones. Funeral services were held February 11, 2023, at Greater Zion Missionary Baptist Church with burial at Mt. Zion Cemetery. Anyone with information is asked to contact Sergeant John Thompson with the Huntsville Police Department.

Did anyone at the party or nearby that night see something that could help the investigation?