Jamaal Deontrae Jones-Aguilar, a 23-year-old man from El Paso, Texas, tragically lost his life on September 1, 2019. The incident occurred outside the Gourmet Hot Dogs bar in the Zaraplex center located at 1688 N. Zaragoza Road. Jones-Aguilar was involved in an altercation with another group that had been arguing inside the bar. The argument escalated when the two groups were escorted outside by bouncers.
During the confrontation, Elijah Jaden Covington, who was 20 years old at the time, retrieved a rifle from a black Jeep SUV and began firing multiple shots. One of the bullets struck Jones-Aguilar in the head, leading to his death at the scene. Another man, who was not involved in the argument, also suffered a non-life-threatening bullet wound to the face. Covington then fired additional shots into the air before fleeing the scene in the Jeep SUV.
Covington was identified as the shooter by a witness and was arrested a few days later by the El Paso Police Department’s Gang Unit and U.S. Marshals Lone Star Fugitive Task Force. He was charged with murder and faced up to 99 years or life in prison. In April 2023, Covington was convicted of murder and sentenced to 29 years in prison. The trial was held in the 384th District Court with Judge Patrick Garcia presiding.
The tragic death of Jamaal Deontrae Jones-Aguilar left a void in the lives of his family and friends. He was remembered as an amazing son, brother, and father who was loved by everyone who knew him. His legacy lives on through the memories cherished by his loved ones.
