Jaden Rashad Jones was 20 when he was shot and killed on Saturday, November 30, 2024, in Eastern Jefferson County, Birmingham, Alabama. A former Center Point High School football player who graduated in 2022, he was described by family as loving, hardworking and playful and as a steady presence for his younger siblings.

According to authorities, Jones’ vehicle pulled up around 3 p.m. to the scene of a traffic crash that was already being investigated by sheriff’s deputies. Deputies discovered he had sustained gunshot wounds; Center Point Fire and Rescue transported him to the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival at 3:26 p.m. Officials said the traffic crash was unrelated to the shooting.

If anyone has information about the shooting or saw activity in the area that afternoon, please contact the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office or Crime Stoppers.