Ammons & Ammons Hearing Sets Murder Trial for January 15 in Cortland Jones Murder
Published by Joe Burgess January 6th, 2009 in Police /Legal.Clarence and Alicia Ammons were in Drew County Circiut Court 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 Ammons were 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
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.
Possibly Related:
I pray that this kid come out in good condition, and the two to be charged to the fullest
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?
What has happen to the young people he was only a kid my GOD!
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.
R.I.P. COURTLAND
R,I.P dear friend. You’ll never be forgotten.
May God be with the family and friends.
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
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!!
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.
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
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.
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
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
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!!!
My thoughts and prayers are with the child’s family. It is so sad that things like this happen.
I LOVE U BRA U ARE MY LUV MY BROTHER MY BEST FREIND……LOVE U BRA R.I.P Courtland Jones
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!!!
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.
andrea that is nice of you to think about the other family to because both familys are realy hurting right now.
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.
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!!
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
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
we love u courtland and we miss u……
my prayers are with his family. that girl that did this didn’t even have a tear in her eyes.
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
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
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!!!
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
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
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,
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.
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.
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!!!
WHAT IS THIS WORLD COMING TO ? WE ARE GOING TO HELL IN A HAND BASKET.
people need to find the LORD!!!
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.
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.
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!
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
Coutland was my friend he helped me when i fell. I never had a friend like love you allways. R.I.P Coutland Jones.
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.
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.
this is a very sad story and our hearts go out to the family. may god be with you all.
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.
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
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.
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
JESUS WEPT JOHN 11:35
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!
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
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!
Courtland I miss you so much and I just want you to know that you are in my prayers
Please re read the article, they are also charged with 1st degree murder.
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?!
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.
Brandy, sometimes its set by what the Criminal Investigator ask, in this case the Ar. State Police and sometimes the judge sets the bond.
hopefully the state will seek the death penalty in this case..
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.
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………
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
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.
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!!!!!!!!
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!!!
What are those black belts for? Why is he in white and she’s in orange?
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
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.
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.
R.I.P Courtland You Will Truely be missed.