Father of Five Being Held in MS. in Connection with Children’s Death

JACKSON, Miss. – (PRESS RELEASE) A father of five is being held in the Smith County Jail in connection with the deaths of his children. At approximately 10:00 p.m. Saturday, September 6th, Smith County Sheriff’s deputies encountered 32-year-old Timothy Jones, Jr. and took him into custody on suspicion of driving under the influence. His SUV was towed and upon inspection of the vehicle evidence of a crime was found. Deputies inquired through the National Criminal Information Center (NCIC) and found Jones was wanted in South Carolina regarding a welfare concern of his children, ages two through eight.

Smith County Sheriff Charlie Crumpton contacted the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation and asked for Crime Scene Technicians and investigators. Further investigation led law enforcement authorities to rural area of Wilcox County, Ala. where five bodies were found.

“The seriousness of this violent crime is unconscionable,” Public Safety Commissioner Albert Santa Cruz said. “We gladly offer any and all resources of the Department of Public Safety to all law enforcement involved to ensure the person or persons responsible for this crime are held accountable.”

Jones is being held in Smith County charged with child endangerment and is awaiting extradition to South Carolina for prosecution.

Law enforcement agencies cooperating in the investigation include Smith County Sheriff’s Department, Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, Alabama Bureau of Investigation, Wilcox County (Ala.) Sheriff’s Department, Butler County (Ala.) Sheriff’s Department, Choctaw County (Ala.) Sheriff’s Department, Alabama Forestry Service and the FBI.