In the early morning hours of January 3, 2026, a dispute that began over a discussion about football at a Vancouver, Washington bar tragically escalated, ending the life of 43-year-old Cory Jones. Jones, a father of five and a grandfather of two, was shot multiple times in the parking lot of the Offramp Bar and Grill and died at the scene. The Clark County Medical Examiner's Office later confirmed that his death was a homicide caused by multiple gunshot wounds.
According to witnesses,
Jones and a friend, Jared Gonzales, had a brief, heated conversation with another man inside the bar concerning Nebraska football. As Jones and Gonzales were leaving the establishment just before 1 a.m., the man followed them into the parking lot. Jones reportedly attempted to de-escalate the situation, telling the man it was just a joke. It was at that moment the suspect, identified as 28-year-old Jared D. Taylor, allegedly pulled out a handgun and fired multiple shots, striking Jones. Gonzales, who was present during the shooting, was not injured.
Following the shooting, Taylor fled the scene. However, two days later, he turned himself in to the Vancouver Police Department. Taylor was subsequently booked into the Clark County Jail and has been charged with second-degree murder and unlawful possession of a firearm. He made his initial court appearance where a judge ordered him not to have any contact with the family of Cory Jones. If convicted on the murder charge, Taylor could face a sentence of 20 years to life in prison. The investigation into the shooting is ongoing by the Vancouver Police Department Major Crimes Unit.
