Precious LeChelle Jones, a 44-year-old African American woman, tragically passed away on September 22, 2018, in Centralia, Illinois. Born on July 8, 1974, in Champaign, Illinois, she was the daughter of Samuel Jones, Sr. and Generista Williams. Precious was found dead in her home on Anderson Street in Centralia in the early morning hours of September 22, 2018. She had been shot twice, once in the back and once in the chest.
The investigation into her death led to the arrest of Lorenzo Patton, a 46-year-old man from Chicago. Patton was charged with first-degree murder and was found guilty by a Marion County jury in September 2020. During the trial, multiple former inmates testified against Patton, including Charita Lenox, who claimed that Patton had admitted to killing Jones while they were both held in the Coles County Jail. The court records revealed that Patton had shot Jones in her home, and he was subsequently sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
The case garnered significant attention due to the brutal nature of the crime and the subsequent legal proceedings. Judge Allan Lolie denied a defense request for a new trial before hearing victim impact statements and aggravating factors presented by Assistant State’s Attorney Melissa Doran. The sentencing of Patton brought some measure of justice to the family and friends of Precious Jones, who continue to mourn her loss and remember her fondly.
