Sylvania Township, Ohio – In a tragic turn of events, Jonathon Jones and Kaitlyn Coones entered no contest pleas on Tuesday for charges of aggravated murder and abuse of a corpse related to the death of Jones’ mother, Nicole Jones, in 2023. The sentencing marked a somber conclusion to a case that had gripped the community for over a year.
The plea deal, accepted in the Lucas County Common Pleas Court, saw both Jones and Coones agree to the murder charges in exchange for the dismissal of other charges. Both individuals were sentenced to life in prison, with the possibility of parole after 25 years.
“This was a horrific event,” stated prosecuting attorney Julia Bates. “We are relieved to reach a resolution in this case. We hope this brings some measure of peace to Nicole Jones’s family. May her memory forever live in their hearts.”
Coones, who was 18 at the time of the crime, was charged with the murder of 53-year-old Nicole Jones, the mother of her boyfriend, Jonathon Jones. The investigation began when authorities conducted a safety check at Nicole Jones’ residence.
Following a nationwide manhunt, Jones and Coones were apprehended in Mexico in May 2023. Coones, charged as an adult in January 2024, allegedly confessed to her role in the murder, indicating that she had coerced Jonathon Jones to commit the act. When he did not fulfil the demand, Coones proceeded to strangle and strike Nicole Jones with a rock.
The pair then disposed of the body in a dumpster at an apartment complex, a heinous act that shocked the community. Despite extensive efforts, authorities have not been able to locate Nicole Jones’s remains.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Robert Jones, the administrator of Nicole Jones’ estate, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against both Coones and Jonathon Jones seeking financial damages. The suit seeks $25,000 in addition to other relief for the untimely loss caused by the unthinkable events that transpired in April 2023.