Inset: Jordan Jones (Mountain View High School). Background: Saddlebar in Ackworth, Georgia, where Jones was shot and killed (WAGA/YouTube).
A tragic incident unfolded outside a Georgia bar when a security guard was fatally shot while trying to break up a late-night altercation between a man and a woman, authorities report.
Daniel Di Vonne Parsons, aged 25, now faces charges including felony murder, aggravated assault, and aggravated battery for the death of 28-year-old Jordan Alexander Jones.
Police in Ackworth, situated around 30 miles northwest of Atlanta, responded to a shooting at Saddlebar, located at 5160 Cowan Road, shortly after 2:40 a.m. Upon arrival, officers discovered Jones with a gunshot wound. Despite being swiftly transported to the hospital, he succumbed to his injuries.
Investigations revealed that Jones, who was on duty as a security guard at the bar, intervened in a dispute involving Parsons and a woman. According to police, Parsons then drew a firearm and shot Jones.
Authorities apprehended Parsons shortly after, finding him walking in the vicinity of the incident.
In a conversation with local ABC affiliate WSB, Jones’ uncle, Edward Jones, recounted that his nephew had stepped in after witnessing Parsons assaulting a woman.
“Jordan being who Jordan is, you know, he sees something going on wrong, you know, he’s not gonna just let it happen, watch others on while they tape it,” the uncle said. “So he stepped in, and just said, you know, he was not violent with the guy, you know? He simply grabbed him, an old bear hug, and put him to the side.”
The bar said in a statement on social media that the victim “courageously intervened and stepped in to stop the assault, protecting the woman and de-escalating the situation.” After the fight was over, Parsons allegedly grabbed a gun and shot the victim in the back.
“Our entire Saddlebar team is grieving the loss of a brave individual who put himself in harm’s way to protect someone else. His courage and selflessness will not be forgotten,” the bar’s statement said.
Jordan Jones graduated from Mountain View High School in Lawrenceville. He later returned to be a substitute teacher and football coach, according to the school.
“Jordan was a proud Bear who made a lasting impact on our program as both a student-athlete and later as a coach. After continuing his career at the University of West Alabama, he returned home to give back to the program he loved,” the school said in an Instagram post. “Jordan was a leader on and off the field and a tremendous role model for our student-athletes. His legacy will live on in the lives he impacted.”
Dijon Joseph, a friend and former high school teammate, spoke about Jones’ character in an interview with local Fox affiliate WAGA.
“He was somebody who always brought everybody in. He’s that big brother figure that always has his arm around you,” Joseph told the outlet.
Parsons is in the Cobb County Jail without bond. His next court date has not been listed.
