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Daughter Guilty of Manslaughter–Father Not Guilty

January 16th, 2009 by

Court resumed at 9 a.m. Friday, with an attorney conference, and more witness testimony.

The prosecution rested shortly after 11 a.m., and Mr. Ammons defense rested just before noon, after Clanence Ammons’ testimony.

Defense for Alicia Ammons was presented starting right after lunch break, and rested slightly before 2 p.m., when jury instructions began.

Alicia Ammons & Attorney Joe Mazzanti

Alicia Ammons & Attorney Joe Mazzanti

At 2:30, closing arguments began with attorneys Zach Vaughn, Steven Porch, Joe Mazzanti, followed by Prosecuting Attorney Thomas Deen.  Closing finished around 3:30.

Jury deliberations began soon after.

At 4:55, the jury had reached a verdict of not guilty for Clarence Ammons on the charge of aggravated assault, and found his daughter, Alicia Ammons guilty of manslaughter.

Cortland Jones

Cortland Jones

Sentencing instructions began at 5 p.m., followed by Cortland Jones’ mother testimony, and 2 members of the Ammons family.

After sentencing closing statements, the jury was sent back to determine the recommended sentence Ms. Ammons is to serve, and came back 15 minutes later, recommending 10 years in ADC.

Judge Bynum Gibson imposed the jury’s sentence, and concluded by telling the victim’s mom, “your son was a good person, and he died for no reason.”

————-

The story below posted on January 15, 2008

Thursday evening trial update.

Jury selection began Thursday morning at 9 a.m., and the jury of 12, plus 2 alternates was selected by 11:15, when the court took lunch break.

The trial resumed just before 1 p.m., with opening arguments from Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Zach Vaughn, who outlined the state’s perspective of the events that took place that holiday evening of July 4, of last year.

Clarence Ammons (charged with aggravated assault) was grilling, and Alicia Ammons (charged with first degree murder) was sitting in a vehicle with her child, as they were spending the evening at a residence on Robinhood Drive, around 9 p.m. 

Around this time a group of teenagers came by, and allegedly shot bottle rockets or roman candles in the direction of the people in the yard, where the Ammons’ were.

Mr. Ammons approached the group, and told them to leave, which they did, but when they came back down the street later, he crossed the street to where the group was, this time with a knife in his hand.

Cortland Jones, age 16, was confronted by Mr. Ammons, and swung and hit Mr. Ammons in the face.

Ms. Ammons then came up behind Cortland, and stabbed him in the neck.

Jones was described by the state as spending the holiday with fireworks and friends, and Mr. Ammons was described as being “an accomplice” of Ms. Ammons, to which Mr. Ammons’ lawyer, Steven Porch objected.

Vaughn continued, adding that both of the Ammons’ had left the scene in different vehicles, and were soon located in the area.

To end his opening remarks, he told the jury that there would be 2 witnesses who Jones told, “Mot done it.”, when asked who had stabbed him.  Alicia is known by the nickname of “Mot”.

—————–

Mr. Ammons’ attorney, Steven Porch, from the public defender’s office, was next, giving a slightly different description of the evening activities.

Porch described the group of “friends” as “gang” of 10-12 teenagers, who came into the family’s yard, where Mr. Ammons was B-B-Qing with his kids and grandkids.

Porch told the jury that Mr. Ammons asked them to leave, “but they came back, firing roman candles, aiming them at everyone” in the area.c

Porch continued, adding that one “ball of fire” landed near Ms. Ammons and her child.  She then went into the house and got a butcher kncife and a bread knife, and as she approached the group was screaming, “you hit my baby!”

Porch added that Mr. Ammons stepped between her and the group, and was trying to get the knife from her; and that Mr. Ammons was facing his daughter, not the group, when he was hit in the face.

Next, he described a comotion, and someone yelling, “she stabbed my homeboy!”

Mr. Ammons then, according to Porch, pushed Ms. Ammons back into the house, and told his grandson to take him home.  Porch then told the jury that Mr. Ammons has a criminal history, including felonies, and left because he didn’t think that the police would believe him.

Once again, the group of 14-17 year old boys was described as “being a gang” by Porch. adding that they had been yelling to Ms. Ammons, “what you gonna do, B*T@H“.

———————————-

Joe Mazzanti, also with the public defender’s office, spoke next, representing Alicia “Mot” Ammons,

Mazzanti told the jury that cases like this are difficult, because of a young victim, and also because one of the defendants is a 19 year old girl, with a baby, and one on the way.

He said the jury may ask themselves, “if Alicia Ammons cut the victim, why are we here?”  “Even if she was the one who cut Cortland Jones, the law provides for other lesser charges.”  He pointed out that she was at her sister’s home, enjoying the 4th of July, with nothing sinister going on, simply listening to the radio withher 8 month old baby, before the boys re-approached the scene.  He added that Jones had fired a roman candle near the face of Ms. Ammons.

She then, according to Mazzanti became hysterical, screaming,”they hit my baby!”, as things got out of hand, and Cortland Jones got cut.

He then defined “1st degree murder” as “with the purpose of causing Cortland Jones’ death,” and mentioned possible “lesser inclusive defenses.”

—————————

The first witness for the prosecution was a 15 year old male, who was in the group of that included Jones.  He said that someone in the Ammons party had shot fireworks at the group first, and that they had simply fired back.  After Jones, who was closest to Mr. Ammons was confronted by him, the group left the area to visit a friend.  Since the friend was not at home, they were simply returning.  At this point, he said that someone in the Ammons party again shot fireworks at the group, and they again shot back. 

This time, Mr. Ammons approached the group with a knife, again confronting Jones.  Jones then punched Mr. Ammons in the face, causing Ammons to drop the knife.

When asked if he saw the person who stabbed Jones in the courtroom, the witness identified Ms. Ammons.

He then said that he didn’t see Mr. Ammons kick Jones, after the stabbing.

Mr. Porch then cross-examined the witness, and asked how many friends were in the group;  he responded 10.  He estimated that the group was gone from the Ammons family about 5 minutes, before returning from their friend’s home.

He then said that Jones did have a roman candle, and had been shooting it back at the residence where the Ammons’ were located.  When asked, he said that no one in his group was hit by fireworks shot by the people at the Ammons’ party.

He again said that Jones had hit Mr. Ammons in the face, causing Ammons to drop the knife.  He added that Mr. Ammons tried to swing back at Jones, but that Jones had already been stabbed before Mr. Ammons was able to hit him back.

When asked who stabbed Cortland Jones, the witness said “Mot”.

Mazzanti questioned the 15 year-old, and here are the replies:
Did your group shoot fireworks at people both times you went by?—Yes.
Did Cortland Jones have a roman candle?–Yes.
Did he hit anyone with it?–No.
Could he have hit someone?–Yes.
Do you know Alicia Ammons?–No.
Do you recall how she was acting?–Mad.  Screaming.
Hysterical?–Yes.

Again Prosecutor Vaughn questioned the witness, this time about a statement he had made to an investigator about having seen Mr. Ammons kick Jones, after the stabbing.  He admitted that he had seen Mr. Ammons kick Jones in the face, adding that he had told Porch that he hadn’t because he was “nervous.”

Porch asked the witness about where Mr. Ammons had kicked Jones, and he answered “in the face.”  Porch asked about an earlier statement where he had told someone that the kick had been to Jones’ leg, but he told Porch that he “didn’t remember.”

——————————— 

Deputy Sidney Green testified about putting a knife from the scene into a bag, and then into a box, as evidence, and identified that knife for the court.

Monticello Police Sgt. Hank Hollinger then testified about putting another knife into a bag, and then into a cardboard box, to preserve it as evidence, and identified the knife for the court.  Hollinger had arrived at the scene of the vehicle that Mr. Ammons had been a passenger in, and had seen a black knife with a silver handle near the front passenger seat, where Mr. Ammons had been riding.

Hollinger told the jury that Mr. Ammons described the earlier events as, “knives were flying around, and that boy got cut.”

Hollinger also told about Alicia Ammons’ comments, upon her vehicle being stopped soon after the police arrived to the area, “That S.O.B. almost hit my child with a bottle rocket!

—————–

When court resumed after a short break, Arkansas State Police Special Agent Rick McKelvey detailed the chain of custody of the evidence, from the scene, to the state crime lab.

He also said that he had spoken to Mr. Ammons about the confrontation that had taken place at the scene, but that Ammons didn’t go into details about the events that took place there.

McKelvey’s final question was about Alicia Ammons’ nickname.  He responded that she is known as “Mot.”

——————-

4 members of the State Crime Lab testified about several items; including Cortland Jones’ autopsy, which showed no other injury, except the 3 inch long, deep stab wound, that entered Jones’ ear/jaw area, and caused his death.

A knife from the scene, and Clarence Ammons left shoe had blood on them, that was an declared to be Courtland Jones’ blood.  A latent print (fingerprint that can’t be seen by the naked eye) expert testified that the knife with the blood on it did not have any traceable prints.

The knife without blood stains contained prints belonging to Mr. Ammons.

—————–

An EMT from MASI testified about the cut that ran from Jones’ left ear to his jaw, and about transporting him to Drew Memorial Hospital.

A DMH Emergency Room Registered Nurse told about the treatment and surgery that Jones received there, before being air-lifted by helicopter to Arkansas Children’s Hospital, in Little Rock. 

The state will continue to present their case, beginning at 9 a.m. Friday morning, turning the trial over to the defense sometime before noon.

The case is expected to reach a verdict before going home, Friday night. 

——————————-

——————————-

The story below posted on Janurary 6, 2008.

Ammons & Ammons Hearing Sets Murder Trial for January 15.

Clarence and Alicia Ammons were in Drew County CirciutCourt Monday, and their murder trial for the death of Cortland Jones has been set to begin on Thursday, January 15.

A motion was made to postpone the trial date due to the defendants pregnancy, which was denied, and other details were discussed about witness transportation from DHS Youth Services, and the preliminary witness list.

The trial seems to be expected to last 2 days.

————————-

The story below posted on December 2, 2008.

Father and daughter, Clarence and Alicia Ammonswere in Drew County’s Circuit Court Monday for hearings on their upcoming murder trials.  They are accused of causing the death of Cortland Jones on the night of July 4, 2008.

The Ammons will be represented by public defenders, Steven Porch and Joe Mazzanti.

A court date of January 5, 2009 was set for any future issues, with a jury trial date set for the week of January 13, 2009.

Judge Bynum Gibson told the attorneys that two jury panels will be called to insure that there will be enough impartial jurors to hear the case.

Questions were made about blood on a knife, and blood on clothing.

Other details covered Monday:  the victim’s mother was present for part of the hearing, sitting at the prosecutor’s table; and the defendant’s attorneys did not provide motions to separate the pair’s cases.

———————————-

The story below posted on August 20, 2008

Clarence and Alicia Ammons(shown here leaving the courtroom) were in court Monday for hearings on their upcoming First Degree Murder Trials.  The two are accused of causing the death of Cortland Jones on the night of July 4, 2008.

The class Y felonies that each of them face carry a sentence of no less than 10 years, and no more than 40 years, or life.

The cases were separated and both Ammons were given different attorneys.  Defender Steven Porch mentined the possibility that the defendants may end up “pointing fingers at each other” to Circuit Judge Bynum Gibson.

Arkansas State Police Investigator Rick McKelvey told the court that both defendants had made statements at the time of their arrests, and that there was a “dying declaration” also to be included as evidence.

Judge Gibson instructed McKelvey to get the investigation files to all 3 attorneys this week, in an attempt to get the case completed this year.

Other items that may be included as evidence include 2 knives, DNA testing, clothing, and prints.

The next court date will include pre-trial motions and an omnibus hearing date will be in late September.

——————————————-

The following story posted on July 8, 2008.

Double $100,000 Bonds Set for First Degree Murder of 15 Year Old Stabbing Victim

020.JPG0191.JPG

Clarence Ammons, Sr. (age 48 ) and his daughter, Alicia Ammons (age 18, of McGehee) both went before Monticello District Judge Ken Harper Monday afternoon. 

When Judge Harper asked the state for bond recommendations, Arkansas State Police Investiator Rick McKelvey told the judge, “it’s hard to put a value on human life.”

Bonds were set at  $100,000 each, with both of them being charged with first degree murder, as well as their current charge of aggravated assault.

————–

The following story posted July 7, 2008, a.m.

15 Year Old Stabbing Victim Dies from Injuries

According to reports, the 15 year old stabbing victim in the story below passed away Sunday.

A father and daughter, Clarence Ammons, Sr. and Alicia Ammons, will be charged with 1st degree murder, as well as their current aggravated assault charges.

Their first appearance and probable cause hearings will be held today, according to Arkansas State Police Investigator Rick McKelvey.

——————————————————–

The following story posted July 5, 2008.

15 Year Old Stabbing Victim Being Flown To  Little Rock

Around 9 p.m. Friday night, reports indicate that a stabbing took place on Robin Hood Drive, just off of North Cooper Street.

The victim is an unidentified 15 year old male, who was scheduled to be flown to Little Rock, after coming out of surgery, here, in the early morning hours.

A father and daughter, Clarence Ammons, Sr. and Alicia Ammons, have been arrested by Monticello Police, charged with aggravated assault, and are being held for further questioning.

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116 Responses to “Daughter Guilty of Manslaughter–Father Not Guilty”

  1. Sheila says:

    I pray that this kid come out in good condition, and the two to be charged to the fullest

  2. They did not have to go that far. Kids are going to be kids. They should have been the grown ups in the situation. If they had a problem with this child, they have have taken it to the mother or father. What is Monticello coming to?

  3. Sadden says:

    What has happen to the young people he was only a kid my GOD!

  4. Kaprina says:

    I am a friend of the family, and I have the young man in my prayers. And I pray that he come out the hospital well. He is a strong person and I hope god will pull him through this. To the family, hold on and keep being strong.

  5. NEED TO BE PUNISHED says:

    R.I.P. COURTLAND

  6. A Friend says:

    R,I.P dear friend. You’ll never be forgotten.
    May God be with the family and friends.

  7. Jo Ann says:

    It has sadden my heart to find out that Cortland did not make it. I have a 15 year old daughter that was Cortland’s classmate and she is really taking it hard. Our prays go out to family especially his mother who relocated her sons here to Monticello to get away from all the violence in Little Rock. If people would stop trying to take matters into their own hands this young man would still be alive and his mother would not be mourning. The purpose of police officers is to keep the peace. Instead 2 individuals decided to take the law into their own hands. Jesus said vengeance is mine, this means turn the other cheek and let GOD handle your battles. We are living in a world of spiritual warfare. WHY!WHY! did this child have to lose his life over fireworks.

    My family will continue to pray for Cortland’s family and just remember God is your refugee and he will comfort you during your loss.

    May God Bless the family

    Jo Ann,Jada, Raya

  8. Erika says:

    R.I.P. Courtland Jones, You are gone but you will not be forgotten. You were a strong person, my bestfriend, and a person that was there for me when ever I needed someone to talk to!! You are in a better place now. I will see you when I get home. Love You!!

  9. Joey says:

    The victim was a friend of mine. He lived a good life. He didn’t deserve this. He had a lot of friends and was loved dearly. Today he passed away, and it stuck the hearts of a lot of people. We all love you and miss you. R.I.P my friend.

  10. Keliah Johnson says:

    The situation that took place was not that serious! I am the victim’s classmate and he respected everybody! He was his own man but he just didn’t take nothing. It was a kids situation and those adults shouldn’t have got involved in that situation! If anything they should have tried to settle it but they took my classmate life away from him. He was just a kid and he had future goals set for himself! I pray that GOD handle this situation and they get what they deserve. How would u feel if your son was stabbed and killed? That hurt ME AND MANY OTHERS TOO. He was a school athlete, I mean was it that serious? GOD please bless his family,friends, and the ones who loved him. “HE WILL TRULY BE MISSED AND NEVER FORGOTTEN”. I LOVE YOU…

    HIS CLASSMATE,
    KELIAH JOHNSON C/O 2011

  11. Antjuan T says:

    The young and wonderful young man passed away to day .I will keep praying for his family but we know and i know God as something better in store for him ! They will be haveing a Fund faiser at revival center they would really appreciate if you all would come by and help out or giving a donation on tuesday and wednesday.

  12. Erin says:

    I’m a friend of the victim also and I think that the way that they handled the situation with my friend was very sad…they went to far with the outcome.. taking someones life wasn’t worth it..I’m keeping the family in my prayers

  13. undrea lamb says:

    I miss Courtland Jones so much……..he was a friend 2 the family, but more like family….when someone was down he always brought them up and I luv and miss him so much for that

  14. Kay says:

    My prayers goes out to the family of Courtland Jones.
    He attended our youth group at First Assembly of God.
    He was very close to alot of our kids in our youth group and
    Sunday evening when they recieved the call Courtland had went
    home to be with his savior, I saw many tears rolling down alot of faces.
    This young man made an impact on alot of lives and was loved by all.
    We dont always have the answers but we can find peace. God give your peace to the family and friends of Courtland. We’re going to miss him for awhile. Till we get to HEAVEN!!!

  15. GladToBeOut says:

    My thoughts and prayers are with the child’s family. It is so sad that things like this happen.

  16. I LOVE U BRA U ARE MY LUV MY BROTHER MY BEST FREIND……LOVE U BRA R.I.P Courtland Jones

  17. SheRwOOd fAm&Dell Dell!!! says:

    Courtland…We are all takin this very hard right now…It dosent seem real to us yet…we seen you every single day and had some of the best moments ever…but we all know we have to stay strong for one another…even though you are not here anymore you will always be one of us…we know that you were a very strong person or how about you are a very strong person..and no matter what you fought your battle…we all had to come to a conclusion and realize that it was your time to go…we will always keep you in mind and in our heart..and when you left you also took your bros{Tae Tae, Dell Dell anD Ced}with you…But we all know that you are in a better place now and you will watch over all of us…this is not a time where we are supposed to be sad and depressed..its a time where we should realize how precious life really is…we gone keep our head up…and stay strong for your family…we are so happy to know that our friend made it home…we will all be there soon to visit you…we just sittin here thinkin bout how silly you was..and all the good times…but now i guess its our time to let you go..god sent us an angel!!…remember you used to always listen to that song i had a dream…well we do too..and thats to meet you soon…We love you soo much and will miss you dearly..stay up Luh!!!…we gone party hard after the funeral just for you!!!!Rest In PeAce!!!..KeeP ya HeaD UP!!!

  18. andrea thomas says:

    I am deeply saddened by the event that has taken place over the weekend
    I did not know the young man, but he was somebody’s child,grandson, and friend. We as adults do not think sometimes of our actions,as did these two
    adults. May God Bless the family of this young man, and comfort them for
    they will be in my prayers. Let us not forget about the two that done this
    their family needs prayer also for this is also a tragedy for them as well. Wake up Monticello and lets love eachother and not hate, for this and future
    incidents could have and can be avoided. May God Bless this Community.

  19. sadden says:

    andrea that is nice of you to think about the other family to because both familys are realy hurting right now.

  20. A shocked sad person says:

    I couldn’t believe this when it was told to me..I didn’t kno the boy all that well but I knew the girl that done very well. Once they told me what Alicia had done my heart went down. This boys life was took for no reason at all. I still can’t get it in my head..Why kill someone over nothing??? I just pray for Courtland and his family.

    We will meet in heaven Courtland..God just took you away from the evil of the world because he knew you were a wonderful child.

  21. THE BUTLER and CHRISTIAN FAMILY says:

    YOU KNOW THIS COULD HAVE BEEN MY SON!!! YOU KNOW KIDS GOING TO BE KIDS!!! YOU WOULD THINK THAT THEY WOULD KNOW THAT!! U SEE HOW SOMETHING AS SMALL AS A FIREWORK CAUSE THIS BIG THING???? THIS YOUNG MAN LOST HIS LIFE OVER THIS!! THIS COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED!!!!!! I DONT KNOW COURTLAND PERSONALLY BUT MY SON WENT TO SCHOOL WITH HIM. THIS REALLY GOT TO ME BECAUSE THIS COULD HAVE BEEN ANY ONE SON OR DAUGHTER ANYBODY!!! MAY GOD BLESS THE FAMILY OF THIS YOUNG MAN!!! THEY WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY PRAYERS!!

  22. OMG!!! o why! Lord i pray that you look over his family and all his friends.Courtland was a great friend of mine and alot of others too. We are going to miss him so so much.For the past two nights before the accident ,he was over my house. We was talking about alot of different things.He said he wanted to play football and I jus knew he was going pro.A dream was taken from him.

    IM GOING TO MAKE PRO AND USE MY RIGHT HAND LIKE YOU TOLD ME TO! IM GOING TO MISS YOU HOLLERING FOR ME AT THE GAMES!*YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN*
    LOVE U!!
    YOUR SIS,
    T-CAKE

  23. walt sawyer says:

    and this was done over some dumb fireworks,

    well,he his home with his relitives and friends in “GODS” home,

    RIP dewd,we all shall be together sooner or later,that’s a fact

  24. Alicia Pickett says:

    we love u courtland and we miss u……

  25. sue says:

    my prayers are with his family. that girl that did this didn’t even have a tear in her eyes.

  26. POOHBEAR says:

    COURTLAND HAS CHANGED ALOT OF PEOPLE LiiFES….ii WiiSH iiT WOULD NOT HAVE CAME DOWN TO THiiS…N ii REALLii DONT THiiNK THESE TWO SHOULD EVEN HAVE A BOND…..MONTiiCELLO MiiSSES YOOH COURTLAND ii MEAN PEOPLE YOOH DiiDNT EVEN KNO iiS UPSET….BUT LiiKE iiTS SAiiD WE WERE NOT JUST YOUR FRiiENDS WERE YOUR FAMiiLY…R.I.P LOVE YOOH BABE

  27. Demetrius Lambert-Falconer says:

    First of all, I would like to extend our appreciation for all of the kind words and thoughts for Courtland. I am Courtland’s cousin, now residing in Ohio.
    During this tragic time for my family, it has helped to see that the community has published such kind thoughts about our love one. Please continue to pray for his mother, father, and his big brother. We will also keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers. We will prayer that no other family will have to endure the hurt and pain that we are now facing from another senseless killing. Thank you all. Dee Dee

  28. God Is The Master says:

    I didn’t know the young man that died, but I know Alica and her family. I don’t understand why she would do something like this. Courtland had a whole life to live and now his life was taken away from him over fireworks. But he’s in a better place now, and to the family of Courtland, just remember he’s watching over you and you will all be together one day! God Bless both familys and I will pray for you all!! R.I.P Courtland Jones!!!

  29. These is killin me i just want 2 tell everybody r hold there head up i kno it hurt so bad 2 c him go home cuz he playd a role n alot of people life at a young age n they need 2 get what i a life wit out cuz he gone wit out sayin goodbye 2 da ones he love

  30. Angela Purifoy says:

    To the family,

    I am so sorry for your loss, of such a beloved child. I did not personally know your son, but my son attends school with him. My son had only wonderful things to say about courtland. And that they were friends. I am so sorry, no words can take away your pain for your child. I hope God comforts all of you in this time of mourning. from all I have heard he had lots of friends, and was a wonderful young man. I am so very sorry this has happened. May God keep you close, and comfort you in your darkest hour. God bless your family, our prayers are with you…

    Angela Purifoy
    Kole’s mom

  31. Jo Ann says:

    This weekend Courtland Jones lost his life, due to a violent crime.

    Commerical has been selected to collect monetary donations to help with the funeral expenses, please drop off a donation whether it’s big or small the family will greatly appreciate the help. Pray is wonderful but please make a contribution to really show your love.

    May God Bless each of you,

  32. My heart goes out to Courtland’s mother because I have buried two children. Here is a poem

    Grave

    Do not stand at my grave and weep
    I am not there, I do not sleep
    I am a thousand winds that blow.
    I am the diamond glints on snow.
    I am the sunlight on ripened grain;
    I am the gentle autumn’s rain.
    When you awaken in the morning’s hush.
    I am the swift uplifting rush,
    of quiet birds in circled flight.
    I am the soft star that shines at night.
    Do not stand at my grave and cry.
    I am not there, I did not die.

  33. Hopeful says:

    It was hard to hear that this had happened to someone so young in our community. My heart goes out to the family of this young man. I know the young lady and father that committed this crime and I am shocked. I often wonder what has happened to our young people: but it takes something like this to happen before the community realizes that we have lost our youth. I am praying for the victim and for the ones who did not think before they acted. My goodness! How can someone have so much anger in their hearts to make them want to take the life of another? Think people! Wake up Monticello! Its time for a new day and a better way of resolving issues.

  34. S says:

    I just don’t understand. I used to date Mott’s brother and from someone that knew the Ammons family personally, as well as knowing Mott as a child you would have never thought something like this. In place of taking matters into their own hands, if there was a problem they should have went to Courtland’s mom. My sympathy and my prayer’s go out to Courtland’s famly. In my veiw it was a senseless crime. If only we had the opportunity in life to turn back time and not do half the shit that we did, or at least have the opportunity to say GOODBYE!!!

  35. skeeter45 says:

    WHAT IS THIS WORLD COMING TO ? WE ARE GOING TO HELL IN A HAND BASKET.
    people need to find the LORD!!!

  36. S.L.J. says:

    It’s been almost a week since this fateful accident, and I still can’t believe that Courtland is no longer here with us. I guess the reality of it all still hasn’t hit me yet. My family is praying for the both the victim and his family. Even though I didn’t know him very well, the little bit that I do know about him or that I’ve heard has always been good. Monticello has been saddened by the death of such a wonderful young person, but in the end God will work everything out. R.I.P. Courtland Jones….You will be missed.

  37. i pray that god will bring peace to this young man’s family and friends. from what i have been told, this was an upstanding young man who was love and cherished by many. to those family members and friends….i feel your lose and i pray god will in time bring peace all of those effectived be this tragedy.

  38. I didn’t know this young man personally, but he did attend my church every Sunday morning. He rode the bus to and from First Assembly of God on Highway 425 North. He loved being in church! Our prayers are with the family at this time. I often wonder just what is this world coming to!!! Rest in peace, young man! May God be with the family at this time of their grief and loss. To go at such an early age..this could’ve been avoided if they had only sat down and talked about it instead of taking such drastic action in their own hands. Rest in peace, Cortland! You are in a better place now!

  39. p says:

    2 morrow is not promised 2day.it was just the other day we were at uam playin football together laughin at girls hangin out da window of there dorms…and now he gone. bruh…..ur death has woke up a lot of people and shows them how quick life can pass you by.live life to the fullest cause u never know when its gone be all over…….?????????????

    see u in heaven bruh….much luv to ur fam and friends

  40. Coutland was my friend he helped me when i fell. I never had a friend like love you allways. R.I.P Coutland Jones.

  41. Stacy S says:

    This is such a tragedy. You hear of bizarre & senseless acts on the news almost everyday, but to have this happen here and to such an aspiring young man. My kids knew Cortland, I have only heard of him and what a wonderful and bright young man he was. Like hundreds of other families in this town, we too are praying for the family. I personally hope those responsible never know freedom again. I hope and wish they realize the pain created by such a heartless act and that it haunts them until THEIR end, if they can even comprehend. See, now even the family of those responsible for this have lost their loved ones, and over what….fireworks, on a holiday.

  42. Mrs. Matthews says:

    Help us holyghost!!!! What is this world coming to? I know Coutland from school,he drop in my class room sometimes. Coutland was a fine and respectful young man.He is going to be missed from family and friends.We can not question God! he knows best. I know it is sad when we loose a love one we have to keep praying and believe the Lord will not put tomuch on us that we can not bare.Countland has live his life the way god has made him to be.For the readers if your life is not right you best get it right,because time is winding down My sympathy and prayers go out to the family.

  43. robert says:

    this is a very sad story and our hearts go out to the family. may god be with you all.

  44. lisa says:

    my sympathy and prayers go out to the family and may god be with you all. countland you will be missed baby but you will never be forgotten.

  45. wesley pairsh says:

    ill love u all ways man ill never 4 got u an yeah i cried when i heard about it and when u died and i am still crying man ill never 4 get u much love 2 the family and god bless u
    and never 4 get u as a classmate

  46. Bradley County Mom says:

    I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to this family during their time of loss. I have a 17 year old daughter and live in Bradley County — this story sends chills through ones body. Much too close to home. Even though I don’t know this family, my heart hurts for them. From the many things that I have read, this young man was very well thought of and was a very bright spot in many peoples lives. I will continue to pray for your family and for the Ammons Family that God will give you much comfort and guidance through this horrible tragedy. May God Bless.

  47. Tess Kilcrease ( Channing's Mother) says:

    I didn’t get the honor of knowing this young man personally either. But I was on my way home from Little Rock Sunday evening when my daughter, Channing called and told me that one of her classmated had passed away. What do you say to your child about someone being stabbed because of a “firework incedent”? Channing said that Courtland was a great basketball and football player and that he was in some of her classes last year….and most of all, that he was really KIND and funny. Adults are suppose to look after the children in their communities….not hurt them.

    My heart and prayers go out to the family of Courtland. I am truly sorry for what all of you are going through. God bless you

  48. Rick Hales says:

    JESUS WEPT JOHN 11:35

  49. Ashley Jones says:

    When I heard the news about Courtland, I cried like a baby. It wasn’t a serious matter. I have never lost a classmate over something that was not serious. I felt like I have known Courtland for a very long time. It shouldn’t never happened. We are going to miss you oh so very much! You are loved by many. You will never forgotten. The class of 2011 will miss you and so will everybody else! Especially the class of 2011! c/o “11”!

    I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU!

  50. Tasha R. says:

    My heart and prayers goes out to Courtland’s family and closest friends. When I heard I cried and i’m still crying even now i didn’t really know you that well. I will neva 4-get you as a classmate. R.I.P

  51. Ayesha says:

    My heart goes out to Courtland’s family and the class of 2011! Courtland was a very kind and uplifting young man! I remember going to school in a bad mood and he would make me luagh! There is no reason that I can think of that his life should have been taken from so early! God will handle the situation and the two ADULTS that took his life will surely realize what they have done! To everyone who is mourning…keep praying and know that God does everything for a reason…even though we dont always know why he does them! We will see him again when we go home! RIP Courtland!

  52. J says:

    Courtland I miss you so much and I just want you to know that you are in my prayers

  53. WH says:

    Please re read the article, they are also charged with 1st degree murder.

  54. Brandy Gavin says:

    This is most definitely a heart breaking event…it hits too close to home for everyone. I didn’t know that young man, but my thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and the class of 2011.
    WH, how is the decision for the amount of the bond made?
    Hollie Cephas, who’s story was covered by Monticello Live, received a $250,000 for credit card fraud and some other charges. How is it that these 2 were only given a $100,000 bond? Am I missing something?!

  55. megan youngblood says:

    Well we have lost a lot of peoples, young, old, black , white. But it doesn’t matter we are all gods children. I have never met this young man but me and his mother worked together, and hung out. I can’t understand and it’s not for me too question god’s plan. Not only we must pray for this young man that lost his life, we all must pray for the man, and daughter that is responsible for this, because we know that they will never see day light again. So too all the Monticello community we must stick togetgher, because life is to short.

  56. WH says:

    Brandy, sometimes its set by what the Criminal Investigator ask, in this case the Ar. State Police and sometimes the judge sets the bond.

  57. MB says:

    hopefully the state will seek the death penalty in this case..

  58. Brandy Gavin says:

    I agree, MB. This was a senseless crime, and can NOT be justified with ANY possible defense. I wonder what defense will be used? I also would like to know how the two will plead. If they are intelligent, they will plead guilty…because the entire community is outraged by this. The crime was inexcusable.

  59. Shaunesha aka NeeNee says:

    I just wanted to say Courtland i am so sorry for wat happen to you and to his family i will keep yall and my prayers because i new Courtland but i didnt because i had only seen him a few times but i can tell he was a good person because so many people loved him like my self but I no you and a better place but some of us just cant face it that you are gone beacaus every time we seen you its like you all ways happy but you home now and we got to go on with our life but i love you friend and always will R.I.P Courtland Jones!!!!!! AND ASK FOR THE PEOPLE WHO DID IT WHY YOU HAVE TO TAKE OUR FRIEND AWAY………

  60. Jo Ann says:

    Members of the class of 2011 has agreed to purchase a flower for Courtland’s funeral. The funeral will be Monday July 14,2008 at 11:00 a.m. at The Revival Center on Pine St. We are asking each class member to pay $3.00 toward the flower.

    Please contact: Jo Ann Trotter( Raya’s mom) @224-1752,Raya Clay 224-1754, Kelsea Jackson 224-2180 for more information.

    May God bless each of you

  61. I didnt know Courtland b/c I heard alot of good things about him especially last year when my team (Hot Springs Trojans) played Monticello in tha playoffs last year. This is tha second time in my life where i played a team and tha next year the team we played losses a player…the first being the Lonoke Jackrabbit QB Alex Cash. All I know is I hope that the ppl who did this will be dealt wit real soon. And my prayers go out to his family and friends and especially to the Monticello Football Team. U Will Never Be Forgotten Courtland. Im glad that I got to hear about a great young person. Now he can start for another team now….GOD”S HEAVENLY TEAM. R.I.P Courtland Jones.

  62. KENYA GREEN says:

    COURTLAND I MISS U SO MUCH HUN…………….U ARE ALWAYS ON MY MIND EVERYDAY AND EVERY NIGHT AND EVEN IN MY DREAMS…….BUT I KNO THAT YOU ARE IN A MUCH BETTER PLACE AND WE KNO THAT YOU ARE LOOKIN OVER US EACH AND EVERYDAY……I MISS U SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!! I WILL ALWAYS MISS AND LOVE YOU

    !~*R.I.P COURTLAND JONES*~! LOVE YOU ALWAYS AND FOREVER!!!!!!!!

  63. Cedric Dunlap says:

    Courtland was a great friend. Even though we didn’t really know each other, I still considered him to be a great friend and classmate. I will always cherish the moments we had together. I miss you so much. I love you so much. You are gone but not forgotten. May your soul live on forever. I just cant believe you are gone. The question that I ask is “why”, why did it have to be him, out of all people why him. I will never forget your smile, and your goofy ways. I miss and love you so much…

    My prayers goes out to Courtlands family

    RIP Courtland Deon Jones
    I will never forget you!!!

  64. sue says:

    What are those black belts for? Why is he in white and she’s in orange?

  65. mizz yb says:

    those black belts are called belly chains, That’s connected to their legs, and arms. I guess he’s waring because he is beening convicted as an ex- felony and she is in orange as a first time conviction. He was all ready out on parole. They should never see day light again

  66. WH says:

    The belts are called belly belts. The handcuffs are fastened to them and they are fastened at the back to keep the arms from moving.

    If he is in white it may be because he was on parole and it was revoked, sending him back to the ADC. She is still in orange b/c she is in the county detention center and not convicted yet.

  67. KDH says:

    The black belts are to keep them handcuffed around their waist. He is in white because he is in the Arkansas Department of Corrections (state pen) and she is in orange because she is in the county jail.

  68. Kyra Harris says:

    R.I.P Courtland You Will Truely be missed.

  69. Just like me says:

    This story is so sad… on the monticello community. I feel sorry for both of the families that is involved.. My heart and love goes out to all people that is affected by this tradgy. I am not able to make it to Arkansas for the trail but i am keeping update by reading what the outcome will be. Attention to all young people…. Monticello is a trap, it is a better life for you, to achieve all your goals. I was once a dysfunctional youth in Monticello always in trouble but I was always smart and did well in school .. That was my exscape from the problems i was facing in a single parent house hold with little money but I had dreams to have a better life for me and my family so i went to collge and achieved a bachelor degree from the best school ever. so now I am working with young adults that face the same problems i went through and trying to help them overcome there barriers. PRAYER CHANGES THINGS!!

  70. jlewis says:

    instead of all that they should be given some years and punished to the fullest

    stay strong

  71. hello says:

    To the family of Courtland. i want to say that i am so sorry for the outcome of all of this they will pay when they go infront of our Lord and Saviour. i will pray for ya’ll so that yall will find peace in your life since our justice system didn’t give yall the justice that ya’ll deserve. they will pay not legally here on earth, but when they are called to be with the Lord and he goes back to that tragic night when you lost your sweet inocent boy. But they will pay when they get turned away. I don’t think that this is fair no one should get away with murder of anyone but a child that had his whole life ahead of him. i am so sorry for your loss, your family are in alot of peoples prayers right now ecspecially mine, God Bless you all. May God be with you all through this trying time

  72. WHAT ?????????? says:

    What in the world was the jury panel thinking? I can not believe that a 15 yld child is murdered and the suspect gets a 10 yr sentence. The charge of manslaughter carries a possible amount of prison time of 1/6 the time imposed. Which means that “Mot” could be out of prison in 18 months. This is not including the county jail time she has already earned. So what this means is that she could possibly be home by the end of this year or a short time after. I really hope that the jury did not understand this charge and time limits when they made the choice that they did. To Mrs. Jones, I was in the court room when you read your letter. I’m not sure that the laws of man provided the right sentence, but I can assure you that the hand of God will cast the proper judgement in time. May God bless you and your family.

  73. adw says:

    The judicial system has once again showed us that black on black crimes exist in Monticello. Let’s ban together and not seperate and stop black on black crime. An eye for an eye. They took a life, and should have to give a life, theirs. STOP THE VIOLENCE!!!!!!!!

  74. just wondering says:

    Very SAD, this was murder, Two poor babies Lord please give them a good home and keep them safe AWAY from this crazy girl.She’ll be out in what? the most 3 years? She never cared for her kids are she wouldn’t of killed a kid .She needed to get life.R.I.P. Courtland your death is not in vain you touched so many hearts and you saved two babies from no telling what.

  75. kh says:

    TO THE FAMILY YOU ARE ALL IN MY PRAYERS THE DEVIL IS A LIE. THAT JUST WASN’T RIGHT JUSTICE IS SERVED BECAUSE THE FATHER UP ABOVE WILL TAKE CARE OF WHAT SHE DID TO YOUR SON. SHE MY THINK THAT SEE GOT OFF LITE BUT WRONG SHE WILL ANSWER FOR WHAT SHE DID IN THE END.SHE WAS WRONG AND THE JUSTICE SYSTEM DIDN’T GIVE YOU JUSTICE.KEEP YOUR HEADS UP I PRAY TO THE LORD TO GIVE YOU STRENGTH TO GO ON MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND THE FAMILY.

  76. VERY DISGUSTED says:

    the outcome in the courtroom today was very depressing. my prayers go out to the jones family for everything they have endured over the past year. im so disappointed in the justice system because i have a relative that received a life without parole sentence for the same crime and there was only witness statements no physical evidence of him being there but u have truck loads of evidence in this case and she gets a slap on the wrist. we all know what this was about.

  77. MM says:

    Manslaughter? Are you kidding? Was intent not proven by the prosecution? I guess she didn’t intend on killing the boy by stabbing him in the neck? This was a case of murder!

    And the sentence… 10yrs? She’ll be out in 3. Minor drug offenders get harsher sentences.

    What a travesty! No wonder we have people going around doing whatever they want. There’s no fear of punishment. We’re headed down a dark path is this kind of stuff continues. Think about all the hard work the police, prosecutors, etc. put into this case. All for a manslaughter conviction where she’ll only serve a fraction of her sentence…. Shame.

  78. JAS says:

    A total in justice!! First of all I don’t think that the jury make up was enough to even start a trial. The jury more less left the impression that it is ok to go out and kill someone or inflict bodily harm on them.

    Really where is our justice system,do jurors really comprehend questions that are asked of them? Something is bad wrong when jurors give 1st time offenders 80 years for supposely selling drugs, and then just give someone a lecture and 2 years of luxury for KILLING someone.

    All I can say is that last night I did not sleep good and all I could see was Courtland crying and laying in his coffin the day of his funeral.

    To the family this is only the first trial, God will finish the juding and no jury will be selected.

    PRAY AND BE HUMBLE AND GOD WE HANDLE THE REST.

  79. Disbelief says:

    what in the world!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    ARE YOU SERIOUS???
    Someone lose their life and gets no JUSTICE!!!! The jury should feel embarrassed, and honestyly, I would take this much further if I was the Jones family. Courtland was so bright and loving and will forever be missed. God will punish, but he will also forgive. I hope she is on her knees every night, because she needs more prayer than O.J. right about now.

  80. Proud Billie Mom says:

    My prayers are still with Courtland’s family. 10 years is not enough for taking someones life. I mean people who cook meth get more time than that. I have two young boys and cannot imagine what his family has had to endure.. however I know that God will see them through..Courtland will be greatly missed..

  81. Shocked/Mad says:

    After 24 hours of thinking about the outcome I am still in shock! As far as ADW’s comment I dont care if you are black, white, purple or green this is so unreal and WRONG. I do agree with What????? I really hope that the jurors did not fully understand how much time this person will serve of a 10 yr sentence BUT why not ask questions if you dont know something before you make a decision? Now this girl is going to serve no more than 18 months and already has jail time the will be credited to that 18 months so in no more than a little more than a year this person will be out and able to continue with her life after taking the life of a 15 year old kid. Then the father of this girl NOT Guilty???? He wasnt the one that did this awful act but he did go out to confront/hit and argue with this kid what kind of parent would do that? Like they say the apple doesnt fall from the tree so explains where this girl got her upbringing. What part of this is fair? I didnt know Courtland but from what I have read and heard he was a good kid that had a bright future ahead of him until his life was ended because of a stupid immature act. I cant imagine how his family had dealt with this since it happen and I sure cant see how they will deal with her getting a slap on the hand. I do however know Courtland is with the Lord and in a much better place than here but really sad that he lost his life and the person that did it basically wont lose anything. I guess there is really nothing to be said other than to the family of this young man I have and will continue to pray for each of you. And will also pray for future jury pools to ask questions before they make any decision!!!!!!!!

  82. JW says:

    Never judge a case based on the gossip on the street or even the commentary in the newspaper. The jury was bound by the law and met the requirements of the law. The prosecution needed to prove her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. It seems that manslaughter, (a crime of Passion) was all they were able to prove to that degree. The penalty seems light but was set to the max. Perhaps the state should review and amend the laws concerning manslaughter to allow stiffer punishments. What can we do? Petition for changes in the law, and continue to encourage the Jones family.

  83. WH says:

    I just dont understand what the jury panel was thinking. Maybe they saw something or heard something the rest of us didnt, but even if that were so I still dont understand.

    A CHILD was Murdered, there is no other way to say it. A child with his whole life ahead of him died over fireworks and she gets 10 years and will possibly be out in a year. I know that our Judicial system is supposed to be the best in the World, but where is the Justice for Courtland and his family. Somebody dropped the ball, and it was not the Prosc. Office.

  84. I agree with whatttttt? It very sad, she took a life, it does not seen right. U can kill in monticello and get by with it. what a shame.

  85. unbelievable says:

    i am having to agree with jw on this one…i am not “all up on the law” but i do know that 1st degree murder is when you intentionally set out and PLAN to take someone’s life. so i feel like the jurors were backed into a corner. that couldn’t convict her of 1st degree murder so they did the next best thing…manslaughter. while i DO NOT agree with the time served though. i think if you are sentenced to 10yrs then you should have to serve 10yrs…not 18 mths, not 3 yrs but the entire 10yrs. i have read that she and her father went into the house and got the knives but i don’t think that even then they literally set out and planned to kill this young child. things got out of hand–way out of hand and it is very sad and a child was killed. my hope is that this young lady thinks of him every time she gets to hold her babies, when they go to prom, when they graduate school, when they get married…because the courtland family is going to be missing out on all those things…my prayer is that this is a turning point in her life…

  86. caring one says:

    I cannot believe this at all. It would have been good if Jimmy Frost had this
    judge and jury. He got 23 years for attempted murder. The victim did not die and is enjoying herself while her ex-husband and the father of her children is in prison. This child was murdered and there is no other way to say it. This child had a future ahead of him. What are these people thinking? I believe in treating people the same. It doesn’t matter about color, not to me anyway. But this is so wrong. Tell me how can you get a guy that shot his wife,(she is still very much alive) called 911 six times for attempted murder and a child lost their life and she gets away with manslaughter. The prosecution needed Spain in this court. He was the one in the Frost trial. This community needs prayer. It is all in who you know.
    Attempted Murder – no one lost their life.
    Manslaughter – a person lost their life.
    Doesn’t make sense to me. We need to pray.

  87. Quante'a Rorie says:

    Dis makes me so upset that she get so little time 4 killin Courtland it like she gotaway with sumthang she should not have.

    I am so hurt I cant do nuthin but cry but am not goin to trip hard cuz i now dat Courtland is in a better place shining down on us.

    R.I.P Courtland Jones I Love U and Miss U Hommie.

    -Quante’a Rorie

  88. YJ says:

    R.I.P Lil Courtland, you will be missed

  89. sight seeing says:

    well, it seemz dat monticello jurors have not yet a heart themselves to dis matter. Its a sad situation!! monticello is so hung up on catching drug dealers and harassing everyone dat they stop but they don’t look at the bigger situation at hands. A INNOCENT CHILD LIFE HAS BEEN TAKEN OVER NONSENSE!!! What if it was yur child? Would you….or could you deal with da fact dat the victim will face only 10yrs and you would never be able to see your child again. HUH!! Yes, i do too beleive dat in this case Our God will punish “Mot” for her wrong doing…but if she confesses to him with a sincere heart and repent for what she has done…i do to know dat “Our God is a forgiving God!! What people fail to realize is dat….it ain’t no sin greater than the other!! Yes, its wrong and also heartbroken becuz of the fact that dis precious child is taken away from us all!! May God continue to look down on The Jones Family at this time!! I can’t even imagine how you all are feeling right now knowing dat in dis town its still not equal justice.. It seems dat whoever dat was on the jury panel at the time must have fell asleep somewhere down the line…..becuz if they were in they right mind…Justice would have been served to the fullest…and dat means dat Mot would have got just what she deserved…more than 10yrs. With her being so young dats not even enough time for her to even think about what she done!! I feel dat she will get what she deserves in the end. “” U weap what you sow”” She need to think about da fact dat she has 2 kids of her own and something like this could very well happen to them. But, I pray dat it doesn’t!! And den she will witness da hurt and pain dat Courtland’s family is going through at dis paticular time!! So to all of the jurors dat was on the panel at this trial….make sure you drink plenty of coffee to help you stay awake for whoever trial dat you will have to witness for whatever case whenever you have to serve as jurors again becuu you know as well as i know dat Justice was not served the way dat it sholud have been served for this trial. My heart goes out to da Jones family!! So monticello, lets focus on more cases like this one….A CHILD LIFE HAS BEEN TAKEN!! instead of yall wanting to harass people for any and every lil thing that they do in monticello. Focus on what need to be focus…and dat is giving more time to a murderer when they take someone else life!!! Justice need to be serve da correct way and DAT is the BOTTOM LINE!!

  90. WH says:

    Once again the whole situation is very sad, for both families. You “Reap” what you so is so true and so is the fact that if she truly confesses her sin, God will forgive her just like he will for those who break marriage vows and steal because its all the same in his eyes.

    But I disagree with “caring one”. Zach Vaughn did a great job in prosecuting the case, he was very meticulus with all the states witnesses and did everything he could but he could not go into the jury room and tell them how to decide. Thomas Deen was there as well and no, Frank Spain could not have done any better.

  91. Olivia V. says:

    Courtland was an amazing person. He was smart, funny, fun to be around, made you happy even though you were mad, and he was loved by EVERYONE. By them just givng “Mot’ 10 YEARS is basically putting a price on Courtland’s life. She may get out in a year or so, but she is not done serving her sentence yet. God has something in store for her that she is so unaware of. Everyday for the rest of her life she has to wake up and remember that!! No human being in their right mind can just forget that they killed someone and not feel some kind of grief about it. Courtland is in a better place so I’m happy for that, we just all wish he was here with us and that “Mot’s” sentence was longer 10 years..which she is maybe even going to serve that!!!! I know that life isnt fair, but this IS TRULY NOT FAIR AT ALL!!! ITS NOT FAIR TO COURTLAND, IS FAMILY, AND HIS FRIENDS!!!

    My prayers as well as my mother and father’s goes out to his family!!

    ([{R.i.P COURtlANd dEON jONES]})
    FROM tHE ClASS OF 2010 C/O “BiG 10”
    WE ALL MISS YOU

  92. JM says:

    What has happend to our society? Yes, it’s a shame that she only recieved 10 years for something as horrific as this. It is also a shame that when people leave comments for the entire world to see, better grammar is not used. Since when did “this, that, because, and seems” become “dis, dat, cuz, and seemz”! Last I checked, we still had English being taught in our FREE PUBLIC EDUCATION system!. Why dont you take advantage of it and get some.

  93. ~Stacy~ says:

    Unbelievable! This is not a message you want to send our youth or people in general. If you disagree with the actions of another, you can end their life because hey, you may get 10 years, but you’ll only serve…maybe…4, if that. I keep reading this try to find a smidge of something that gives justification to that sentence of MANSLAUGHTER. This is what Wikipedia says:

    Manslaughter describes cases where the defendant may have an intent to cause death or serious injury, but the potential liability for the person is mitigated by the circumstances and/or state of mind. The most common example is the so-called passion, or heat of the moment killing, such as where the defendant is provoked into a loss of control, by, for instance, unexpectedly finding his or her spouse in the arms of another lover, or witnessing an attack against his or her child.

    I wasn’t there when this terrible thing happened and I wasn’t in the court room, but if you think a slap on the wrist (and face it, that’s what she got) is worth the price of a life? If there was mischief on the victims part, that’s one thing…you call the authorities and let them do their job and HOPEFULLY, a situation like this is prevented. You don’t make the effort to retrieve a ‘weapon’ for use with malice and kill someone, then run!?

    You watch, this ‘heat of moment’ defense will become more popular now.

    Alicia should have to lecture to youth groups (upon her release) every year on Cortland’s birthday for the duration of her life. There are no lucky one’s here, but she has a chance to do something positive and powerful with this, because she robbed Cortland of the opportunity to do great things in his life.

    God bless the families.

  94. John W. says:

    “Caring one” has made unfair insinuations that Mr. Deen and Mr. Vaughn are responsible for the outcome of this case. You cannot compare any two cases to each other, it’s the same as comparing apples to oranges. Each and every case has a different set of facts, witnesses, jurors and judge.

  95. sight seeing says:

    JM, i’m sure u know how to use correct grammar as well, No. it’s not a shame becuz it’s a word dat is called shortcut for the correct word dat we use in everyday life. So maybe you as well need to check your grammar. It is spelled….received….not recieved!! but i truly understand becuz u could b a school teacher!! so we might meet up at the free public education system!!! so lets continue to pray about the situation at hands and dat is “The Jones Family at dis time!! Its a shame dat people will try to criticize other people for they mistakes….but need to try and correct your own mistakes before criticism is taken into effect!!!

  96. Agree says:

    I agree with Stacy on the fact the Alicia should have to be made to do something every year or more than once a year so she will continue to face her action and outcome forever. And before anyone says she has to deal with it for the rest of her life please look at the photos and tell me does it look like she is having a hard time dealing with it seems pretty happy with smiles in the photo’s so she is just fine knowing what she did! I do not think any of this is fair from the time she went inside the house to get the knife until today after she got the slap on the wrist and to make it worse once she is released from serving her little sentence it is over she goes forward with her family, and getting to see her children grown up give them hugs kisses and watch them as they grow into adults as if nothing happened while others will forever miss Courtlands hugs smiles and growing up everyday life without thier son, grandson, newphew, brother and friend. He wasnt given a choice in this WHY should she be giving a choice? Prayers will continue to carry this family through this awful nightmare. We will continue to remember you all in prayers.

  97. Heart of the Problem says:

    I agree with JW. Laws need to be changed to allow for more appropriate penalties for crimes. The Bible clearly states the penalty that God prescribes for murder. It is a life for a life.

    However, let’s be honest about what this case represents. Our society as a whole, not just in Monticello, has deteriorated in its value of human life and in our morals. The break-down of the family and our selective preference for following God’s law has resulted the birth of individuals who have no honor, value or respect for mans law or God’s law.

    This is also represented in the movies, music and video games that parents now allow their children to view and listen to. When are we going to wake-up and realize that until we ( and I do mean all of us, every race – creed and color) return to the Lord and cease being selective about our faith and following, we will continue to lose more of our children to violence, drugs and the like.

    YES!!! We need to be on our knees in humble prayer. We need to be sharing Christ with everyone we meet and opening our hearts and churches to everyone we meet.

    God bless and keep you, Jones family. Be assured that Courtland is in a far better place than we are.

  98. caring one says:

    WH, I should not have said that about the prosecution. I don’t know Mr.
    Vaughn, but I do know Thomas Deen is a good prosecutor. I know him personnaly and he is great. I only knew that Spain did his job and then some in the Frost case. It just doesn’t seem fair. I do know that the Frost
    guy poured his heart out and I truly think some good came from his trial.
    I believe with all my heart, that he found God through all this and I pray that
    he will be a much better person after he serves his time. It is most certainly two different situations. I know that you reap what you sow. I know I have.
    We all tend to remember the past in someone’s life, and fail to remember the great deeds one does after they find the Lord. It makes you wonder what these two people learned from this. A drug dealer gets more time than
    this. I don’t understand but it is really not for me to understand. I did not hear the case. I should not judge.
    Thanks WH for making me stop to think about what I said about the prosecution. May God bless you.

  99. MNB says:

    K this is crazzy how can people take somebody life just to get 10 yrs? that just blows my mind b/c i personally think if you can take somebodys life you can have your own life taking..and thats what i always have thought if somebody can be so cruel to take one life they should suffer or be killed like the victim was.

  100. unbelievable says:

    you know what’s sad…not only has this case drawn attention to our small community but people from miles and miles away read what is on this site…including the comments. how embarrasing to have someone read these comments and read what “sightseeing” wrote. Oh my goodness!!! so now not only are we a community that has had a child killed but looks like we are very uneducated.

  101. trottergirl says:

    First of all, my heart and soul goes out to the family and friends of Courtland Jones. I can’t even imagined what the mother of this child is feeling first, her child is murdered and secondly, the judical system failing her, how much can this poor woman take. There isn’t anything to say that will heal her except that he is with God now. I am very disgusted with the outcome, but not shocked.
    To the mother, you need to fight this, do some research and find you a good lawyer and make sure that your son’s death(murder) is not swept under the rug as another black on black crime. I advise you to see further counsel, please. Now, drug dealers get more time than that. That is sending the message that you can kill someone and get out in three years or less,or not even go to prison.
    Look what a young black man can do….. become President. “Mott” might have killed a furture president!!!! Go to school pass your Benchmark and target testing,graduate with honors, it is possible young black men. I know everyone thinking, this is Monticello. Yes, we all now how most of the mentality is in Monticello, but we got a black President and they cannot take it away from us. Now, Did Monticello show that they were glad about our 44th President, how many news article did you see, are they covering the inauguration? Is it being discuss in school or do they get in trouble for saying Obama, or wearing an Obama shirt? How many strange looks or silent treatment did we see the next day after the election. Please, try to use correct grammar and spelling, do not type like you text, we are being watched.

  102. Courtland..we love you so much…we talk about you almost everyday…”I bet if Courtland was here he would be like…”..Just know that its wrong..all of this…but hey life’s not fair…just watch over us..and we will continue to act like you’re still here because in heart you are…we will never let you go..the sleepover just wasn’t the same saturday night without you…we love you and miss you so much!!

  103. EXTREMELY IRRITATED says:

    REGUARDLESS OF THE WAY PEOPLE SPELL OR SAY THINGS!! IT IS THEIR WAY OF TALKIN IF U HAVE A PROBLEM SO BE IT…THERE ARE OTHER THINGS AT STATE HERE. A 15 YEAR OLD BOY’S LIFE WAS TAKEN AND ALL ALICIA GOT WAS TEN YEARS…AND WILL ONLY HAVE TO DO 20 MONTHS!!! I DO NOT THINK SHE SHOULD HAVE TO SPEAK ON HIS BIRTHDAY OR TO ANYBODY IN A YOUTH GROUP THAT INVOLVES THE CHILDREN,TEENS,AND ADULTS OF MONTICELLO, ARKANSAS. SHE KILLED A PERSON THAT MOST OF MONTICELLO KNEW AND LOVED!!!! IF PEOPLE FROM OTHER STATES DO COME IN READ THIS THEN THAT IS THEIR PROBLEM IF THE DO NOT LIKE OUR GRAMMAR. IT IS SO CHILDISH HOW SOME ADULTS WILL PEN POINT THE LITTLE THINGS. SO WHAT. THOSE THAT WANT TO BE EDUCATED ARE GETTING AND ARE EDUCATED!! THE ONES THAT ARENT EDUCATED PROBABLY DONT WANT TO BE EDUCATED!! AND NO COURTLAND(THAT iS HOW ITS SPELLED) IS NOT AT FAULT FOR WHAT HAPPENED!! SHE BLEW THE WHOLE SITUATION OUT OF PROPORTION JUST SO THAT ALICIA COULD SHOW NOT TO MESS WITH HER!!!

  104. hello says:

    May God bless both families at this very difficult time!!

  105. blessed says:

    my thoughts and prayers are with both families at this very difficult time!!

  106. ~Stacy~ says:

    I know this is a place to leave your views, thoughts and opinions on the issue. The issue we’re talking about is a child’s life lost and the lack of punishment given. If we, the community, feel this injustice you can only imagine what the family must be going through.

    To EXTREMELY IRRITATED, her speaking publicly about what she did was just a thought. There’s a number of drunk drivers who have to do this to remember and give testimony to others about how one careless and/or malicious act cost another human their life. It’s an extension of punishment that MAY cause someone, somewhere to stop and think before they act, and again, was just a thought. This was not Courtland’s fault and I didn’t say that it was.

    – To CARING ONE, I agree totally with your statement on Jan 17 about Jimmy Frost’s trial. Makes you say “hmmmm”. Alicia intended to kill this child. She didn’t hit him, she didn’t go for his arm, shoulder, leg…she made an effort to get a knife and go for his throat. Clearly intent…but that’s just my view of it. Bottom line FOR ME is even if she served the full 10 year sentence, it would not be long enough. I’ve been angered by the sentence since it was announced. No matter our differences on this site, I know we all agree on this: Courtland was a great young man and his family needs prayer and support from this community. This sentence must have been a shock to a family still grieving such a terrible loss.

  107. EXTREMELY IRRITATED says:

    I UNDERSTAND IT WAS A THOUGHT…I WAS GIVING MY OPINION AS WELL AS A FEW OTHER PEOPLE THAT WAS AROUND ME AT THE TIME. SOME PEOPLE IT MIGHT WORK ON…BUT NOT ALICIA AMMONS.. I HAVE KNOWN HER LONG ENOUGH TO KNOW THAT NO MATTER HOW HARD YOU TRY TO HELP HER OR ENCOURAGE HER TO CHANGE SHE WONT. THATS WHY I HAVE NO MERCY FOR WHAT I SAY ABOUT HER….

    WE LOVE YOU COURTLAND D. JONES

  108. ~Stacy~ says:

    Oh, okay…well that’s what makes this sight neat, some folks have more insight on the situation than others. And I haven’t read anywhere that she has said she’s sorry to his family for what she’s done, so, she may want to RE-LOCATE upon her release. My heart just hurts when I look at Courtland’s photo above. And my kids still remember his loving spirit as we all should and will. This is my final entry for this article, God bless you all and God bless his family!

  109. steven stults says:

    I went to school with courtland he was one of my friends and for sumthing like this to happen to him this girl woman watever u wana call her she dnt even deserve to be called a woman she deserves life in prison no lesser punishment and as far as her dad going up to him and distracting him so she could stab him now thats messed up he should be charged as a accomplis to murder i mean come on how does somebody do this and get away with it its not right the way this world is gettin to be. R.I.P. COURTLAND JONES WE MISS U

  110. Ashley Jones says:

    She need death for killing someone. The time they gave her was not enough. That’s stupid…manslaughter. What kind of stuff is that! That was not no accident! I know one thing…God will take care of it all! God will fix her! I am so disappointed! She took someone’s life that did not need taken!
    She took my friend’s life, my classmate’s life! They need to lock her up, and throw away the key! It is so sad. I am praying for Courtland’s family.

  111. it's sad says:

    It is so sad! I pray for “CJ’s” family.

  112. EXTREMELY IRRITATED says:

    AT THE END OF THE DAY…ALICIA WILL PAY FOR WHAT SHE DID. WISHING DEATH ON HER WILL NOT BRING COURTLAND BACK!!! GOD HAS A RUDE AWAKENING READY FOR “MOT”. sHE IS UNAWARE OF IT. MAY GOD BLESS HER, BECAUSE FOR THE REST OF HER LIFE SHE HAS WAKE UP AND FEAR FOR HER SANITY. NO HUMAN BEING IN THEIR RIGHT MIND CAN DEAL WITH THIS. EVENTUALLY THIS WILL TAKE ITS TOLL ON ALICIA.

  113. Chrystle says:

    I happened to run across this by accident. I would like to express my condolences to the family of Mr. Cortland Jones. Though he didn’t have long on this earth you must know that He is in Heaven waiting for his loved ones. You all please take care. It is sad to see so many brokenhearts.

    “I’ll lend you for a little time a child of mine,” He said.
    For you to love – while he lives
    And mourn for when he’s dead.

    It may be six or seven years
    Or twenty-two or three,
    But will you, till I call him back,
    Take care or him for Me?

    He’ll bring his smiles to gladden you,
    And should this stay be brief
    You’ll have his lovely memories as solace for your grief.

    I cannot promise he will stay,
    Since all from earth return,
    But there are lessons taught down there
    I want this child to learn.

    I’ve looked this world over
    In search for teachers true,
    And from the throngs that crowd
    Life’s lanes, I have selected you.

    Now will you give him all your love,
    Nor count the labor vain,
    Nor hate Me when I come to call to
    Take him back again?”

    I fancied that I heard then say,
    “Dear Lord, Thy will be done,
    For all the joy Thy child shall bring,

    The risk of grief we’ll run.
    We’ll shelter him with tenderness,
    We’ll love him while we may,
    And for the happiness we’ve known
    Forever grateful stay.

    But should the angels call for him
    Much sooner than we’ve planned,
    We’ll brave the bitter grief that come
    And try to understand

  114. sue says:

    I was haveing a bad day.The 19th of this month,my son died from a heart attact 5 years ago.He was 30 with 2 small girls.Your poem helped me Thank You.I hope Courtlands mother reads it.

  115. coolie says:

    man courtland was my best friend i showed him around monticello. i was in texas when the incident happened but all i have to say is that aint rite

  116. Ryan's Mom says:

    Time heals all wounds. I shower blessings on CJ mother and his brother.

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