Few details have emerged about the police-involved shooting of Corey Jones in Palm Beach Gardens, as family, friends and supporters seek answers.
Jones, a South Florida drummer, was on his way home from his band’s gig when his car broke down on I-95. As he waited for a tow-truck, Palm Beach Gardens officer Nouman Raja pulled over in an unmarked department-issued car to inspect the vehicle, which he says he thought was abandoned.
“As the officer exited his vehicle, he was suddenly confronted by an armed subject. As a result of the confrontation, the officer discharged his firearm, resulting in the death of Mr. Corey Jones,” said Palm Beach Gardens Police Chief Stephen Stepp at a news conference. A legally-purchased firearm was found in Jones' car.
The Jones family hired prominent civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump, who has represented the families of Trayvon Martin, Tamir Rice and Michael Brown. Crump says there was no way for Jones to know Raja was an officer and that Jones did not fire his gun.
Earlier this week, supporters gathered to call for answers into Jones’ death.
Palm Beach Sheriff's Office and Palm Beach State Attorney are investigating the shooting and have not released more details of the case.