Investigators Seek New Tips in Year Old Murder Case

A cash reward of up to $2,500 is being offered by Crime Stoppers for information leading to the arrest of the person responsible for the shooting death of Anthony "Nicky" Jones on Saturday, August 31, 2019. Jones was in the area of Lehigh and Princess Streets in Inkster when he was approached by an unknown man and shot to death. The shooting took place at 12:45 in the afternoon.

According to one witness and police reports, Jones was with a cousin when the pair were scouting out properties for sale in the neighborhood west of John Daly Road. Jones' uncle, Larry Spencer says he understands the series of events to include Jones and his cousin circling the block a number of times, looking at houses when they apparently drew the attention of the suspect, who pulled his red vehicle in front of Jones' car, blocking it. "The information we have is a red Toyota Camry, like a 90s model vehicle, pulled in front of their vehicle and stopped," says Inkster Police Chief William Riley. The suspect then exited his vehicle and approached Jones' vehicle and a brief verbal altercation ensued. The suspect produced a handgun and shot Jones in the head and then fled westbound on Lehigh Street. Riley says it is possible the murder was the result of mistaken identity.

The suspect is identified as a black man about 30 years of age, about 5 feet, 8 inches tall and weighing about 150 pounds.

About a week later, an arrest was made in the case, but investigators with the Michigan State Police realized they had the wrong suspect, and the person was released. Jones' family had thought the case was solved, however, and only found out about the release of the initial suspect months later. Spencer says the family would be better served if they were kept up to date on the case by investigators, even if there were no new details to report, as they would be assured the murder was not being forgotten. "As weeks build up and you kind of look back at how long it's been, it's real easy to be frustrated," says Spencer.

Jones, who was 54, is remembered by his family as being an ambitious, high-energy person who enjoyed helping people. A graduate of Robichaud High School, Jones retired from Chrysler and later pursued his passion for videography. Jones did videotaping of weddings, sporting events, and parties. He was well-known in his community and involved in his church, Pentecostal Temple Church of God in Christ. "He loved his church," says Spencer.

"Nicky was very kind-hearted and giving, he would do anything for anybody," says Jones' cousin Barbara Cooper. "He did not deserve (this)."

"In our hearts, we know that there are people that know of this but for whatever reason, choose not to come forward," says Spencer. Both the family and investigators are hoping someone out there who knows any detail about this case will come forward.

"The thing about it is we need help from the public. If you may know anybody fitting that description during that time driving a red Toyota Camry, late 90s model, if they know somebody that drives a vehicle like that and they frequent Inkster or that area of Lehigh, we need to know it," says Riley. "We continue to ask and seek information and request information about this; we're hoping somebody remembers something."

Any information you may have on this case can be referred to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP. You can remain anonymous.