A sense of loss permeated the Far Rockaway community in Queens, New York, following the violent death of 34-year-old Brian Jones, a Black male resident. On the evening of August 2, 2011, the familiar surroundings of his home on Almeda Avenue were shattered by the sound of a gunshot. Police responded to a 911 call around 6 p.m. and discovered Jones with a single, devastating gunshot wound to his head.
Rushed to Peninsula Hospital, he was listed in critical condition, but his injuries
proved insurmountable. The following day, on August 3, 2011, Brian Jones was pronounced brain dead. His death was officially ruled a homicide, leaving his family and friends to grapple with the sudden and tragic end to his life. Born on April 19, 1977, in Far Rockaway, he was a longtime resident of the area. He was survived by his parents, two sisters, two brothers, and six children.
In the years that have passed since the shooting, the case has grown cold. Online sources and news reports from the time of the incident do not contain any information regarding arrests made in connection with the murder. The identity of any suspect or suspects who may have been involved in the fatal shooting remains publicly unknown. The investigation into who shot Brian Jones and why has, to date, not resulted in any publicly announced breakthroughs, leaving a painful void and an unanswered question of justice for his loved ones.
