Former Louisiana police chief, Jones, charged with 2nd degree murder

Jones, who had posted bail on previous charges, including stealing a controlled substance/meth manufacturing material, trafficking drugs, tampering with physical evidence in a felony prosecution, possession of a controlled substance, and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, has again been arrested and taken to the Cole County Jail with bail set at $1 million.

On Sunday morning Jones’ attorney, Chris Lazano, released an official statement after speaking with Jones.

“Mr. Jones has spent his entire life in service to his country and community upholding the rule of law and the principles embodied in the Constitution, including the presumption of innocence,” said Lazano. “The death of Gabriel Thone is certainly a tragedy, but not one that Mr. Jones is responsible for. Will Jones maintains his innocence and will continue to vigorously defend himself in court,” he added.

On Oct. 19, Pike County Sheriff Stephen Korte reported that an off-duty Louisiana police officer had called the non-emergency line of Pike County 911 and Central Dispatch about 9:53 p.m. the night before to report a death at a home in the 2300 block of Kentucky Street in Louisiana. The home was that of Jones and his girlfriend, Alexis. Responders at the scene reportedly found Gabriel, 24, the brother of Alexis, dead. An unidentified 21-year-old brother was found to be in respiratory distress. Responders reportedly were able to revive the second brother with naloxone, and he was taken to Pike County Memorial Hospital.

On Nov. 10, the Louisiana City Council voted unanimously to remove Jones from his position as police chief. Only a few weeks later, Chief Deputy David Penrod was also terminated on performance related issues. With the department being down to only a few officers, the Police Hiring Committee immediately conducted interviews to begin re-staffing the department. On Dec. 12, The city hired Interim Police Chief Christopher Heatherly to begin a six month contract. On Dec. 28, the Louisiana Police Department announced that K-9 Officer Robert Embly had turned in his resignation, creating an additional opening at the department. On Jan. 9, the council voted to hire two officers currently working as sheriff’s deputies in Ralls County.

Press-Journal sources stated that they will begin working for Louisiana after fulfilling their notice to the Ralls County Sheriff’s Department.