Father Pleads No Contest to Murder of Autistic Son

Nicholas Jones, 34, has pleaded no contest to murder in the shooting death of his 9-year-old son, Princeton. The plea occurred on Wednesday, and Jones was sentenced to 15 years to life in state prison. He also admitted to using a weapon during the commission of the crime.

Princeton died from a gunshot wound to the head on November 30, 2024, after being shot in his grandparents' yard. Authorities responded to a home outside Compton and identified Jones, the boy's biological father, as the suspect. He was arrested the following day and has remained in custody since then.

Family described Princeton as a special young man with a brilliant mind and a warm heart. Diagnosed with mild autism at age 2, he began speaking fluently by age 5 with his mother's support. Princeton was remembered as a joy to those around him, cherishing his friends, family, and community.

Princeton's mother expressed confusion and grief, stating she did not understand what led to her son's killing. A family friend noted Jones's active involvement in his son's life, including picking him up from school and spending quality time together.