In the early evening of February 6, 2024, a dispute inside a Zaxby's restaurant on Panola Road in Lithonia, Georgia, tragically escalated, resulting in the death of 24-year-old Kenyon Jones. An argument between Jones and another man, which began inside the fast-food establishment, spilled out into the parking lot. An employee of the restaurant had attempted to de-escalate the situation, but their efforts were in vain.
Once outside, the unidentified suspect pulled out a handgun and shot Jones multiple times. After shooting him, the assailant proceeded to physically assault Jones before fleeing the scene on foot. Authorities believe the suspect lived in the vicinity of the restaurant and was a frequent pedestrian in the area. Emergency services were called to the scene just before 9 p.m., and Jones was found with two gunshot wounds to his back. He was quickly transported to a nearby hospital, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
In the weeks following the shooting, the DeKalb County Police Department released surveillance images of the suspect, described as an African American male with facial hair, wearing a black cap and a black hooded sweatshirt, and asked for the public's assistance in identifying him. The suspect was considered armed and dangerous. On March 1, 2024, DeKalb County police announced that they had identified and arrested the man responsible for Kenyon Jones's death. However, the identity of the suspect was not immediately made public.
