*Lawrenceville, GA* - A month from the day that Jalyne's life would change forever, she still faces a long road to recovery. Despite a slow healing and recovery process, Jalyne is unwavering in her pursuit of justice for the intentional and unprovoked senseless shooting that occurred on Sunday, August 13, 2023, at the Veranda Apartments in Lawrenceville, Georgia.
The shooter, Alejandro D. Querales Morales, was arrested and charged with a misdemeanor for reckless conduct, a charge that does not adequately reflect the gravity of the incident. Legal precedent set in the case Turbeville V. State, 268 Ga. App. 88, 601 S.E.2d 461 (2004), establishes that there is no requirement for the victim to sustain an actual injury for the crime to be considered complete.
Despite numerous requests for the charges to be upgraded, Jalyne and her husband, Eric Jones, are left with a feeling of hopelessness for justice in this case.
What should have been a simple request for consideration turned into a horrifying ordeal when Jalyne Evans-Jones was intentionally shot through a closed door by her upstairs neighbor. Seeking a peaceful resolution to the incessant blaring music that had disrupted their home all day, Jalyne and Eric approached their neighbors upstairs. The neighbor's response was not one of understanding, but rather an unthinkable act of violence that shattered the tranquility of the neighborhood.
A single gunshot shattered Jalyne's wrist, causing severe injuries that have altered the course of her life. The bullet's path was unrelenting, damaging her abdomen, lacerating her liver, and narrowly missing her spine. Her courageous fight for survival has already encompassed one surgery, with many more to come. The road ahead includes not only hand surgery and extensive physical therapy but also an emotional journey to heal from the trauma inflicted on that fateful night.
In addition to being the victim of a senseless shooting, a formal complaint has been filed with the Department of Justice, and one will be filed with the state of Georgia very soon, regarding the blatant violation of Georgia Victims' Rights Laws in Jalyne Evans-Jones's case.
Under the Georgia Victims' Rights Laws, victims of crimes are entitled to certain basic rights, just as the accused are accorded certain basic rights. The violation of these rights has occurred in several key areas:
1. Lack of Prompt Notice of Arrest
2. Inadequate Notification of Release
3. Failure to Offer Victim's Opinion on Release
4. Lack of Information Provided by Prosecuting Attorney
5. Inadequate Protection of Victim’s Right to Be Present
6. Failure to Provide Temporary Restraining Orders
7. Violation of Victim’s Communication Rights
Moreover, the misdemeanor charge of reckless conduct brought against the accused does not appropriately address the gravity of the crime committed. The incident clearly aligns with the definition of aggravated assault as per Georgia Code § 16-5-21 and should not have resulted in a mere misdemeanor charge.
We urge the Department of Justice and will also urge the state of Georgia to promptly investigate and address these severe violations of Georgia Victims' Rights Laws and the inappropriate charge against the accused. We expect that the responsible authorities, including Gwinnett County Solicitor General Lisa Marie Bristol, will take immediate corrective action and ensure that Jalyne Evans-Jones's rights as a victim are upheld, and justice is appropriately served in this case.
For further information or media inquiries, please contact Eric Jones at (404) 988-8977 or emariojones.mba@gmail.com.
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