On October 18th, 2015, Corey Jones’ car broke down on Interstate 95 while the South Florida drummer was driving home from a gig. He pulled his SUV off to the side of an exit ramp and began making calls for assistance. Corey was eventually confronted by Officer Nouman Raja who ended up discharging his weapon and murdering Corey Jones.

The city of Palm Beach Gardens announced Thursday (November 12th, 2015) they have terminated the employment of Officer Nouman Raja who had been placed on paid leave after shooting and killing Corey Jones in October. In a news release, the city said it “cautiously and methodically” considered Raja’s employment before deciding to fire him from the police department.

At this time, here are the facts we know about the Corey Jones shooting:

1. Nouman Raja is the only source of information at this time. All accounts shared with the news are derived from bits and pieces of a statement he gave to the responding officers. At this time, there is no video footage to corroborate or disprove his statements.

2. Raja was on a burglary detail in the area. His undercover attire was to make him look like a normal civilian, so he could radio in burglaries as he saw them happening. He was never to engage the burglars, but to radio local police to make the arrest.

3. Corey’s car broke down near the PGA Blvd off ramp around 2:30am. He was coming from a band performance in Jupiter, Florida. He called a band mate to help him, but when the vehicle wouldn’t start, he told the band mate he could leave. He then spoke with his older brother, CJ, at 2:52am. CJ offered to pick him up, but Corey did not want to leave his car and expensive band equipment unattended on the highway. Corey told CJ that he will call a tow company.

4. Per Raja, he thought Corey’s car was abandoned and was startled when he realized someone was in the car. He left his police badge, department issued gun, and police radio in the vehicle as he stepped out of an unmarked van with tinted windows in undercover plain clothes.

5. Raja states that he identified himself as police and Corey responded, “I’m ok. I’m waiting on a tow truck.” At that point, Raja states that Corey steps out of the vehicle with a gun in his hand and points it at Raja. Raja immediately shoots twice at Corey. We do not know if any of those first two shots hit Corey. Corey immediately turns and runs away from Raja. Raja chases Corey.

6. As Raja looks for Corey, he states that he sees a silver flicker near Corey and assumes that Corey is going to shoot him. This time he shoots 4 more rounds, some definitely hitting Corey. He then calls in the shooting. Corey is announced dead at the scene. CJ calls his brother at 3:19am, but receives no answer.

7. We now know that Corey was shot three times. Once in the left arm, which went through, but fractured his arm. Once in the right arm/lower shoulder, which also went through. Once in the right lower side, which did not go through, and was the fatal shot as the bullet ended up lodged in his heart.

8. Corey’s gun was never fired. His gun was found in the grass between the distance of his car and his body. His body was found 80-100 feet away from his car.

We are combing through every detail with the help of the State Attorney and our own private investigation. We are asking any potential witnesses to come forward to help us continue this investigation.

FOR MORE DETAILS AND CONTINUED UPDATES VISIT:
[http://peopleoverpolitics.org/2015/10/23/justiceforcorey/]