Springfield, Illinois – Sangamon County State’s Attorney Dan Wright announced today that Jonathan Austin, age 26, has been charged with four counts of First Degree Murder, Armed Habitual Criminal, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Felon and Possession of a Weapon by a Gang Member related to the August 8, 2020 shooting death of Dearius E. Jones in Downtown Springfield.
Jones was shot multiple times after a fight broke out in Downtown Springfield during a large party. Jones was then transported to St. John’s Hospital where he was pronounced deceased at 3:36 a.m.
Austin, who was arrested on August 20, 2020 after his bond was revoked in another felony case, is still in the custody of the Sangamon County Jail. His bond has now been set in the amount of $5,000,000.00 and will be arraigned on Monday, August 31, 2020 at 11:00 a.m.
Sangamon County State’s Attorney, Dan Wright stated “I commend the men and women of the Springfield Police Department for their dedication to this investigation. The tragic death of Dearius Jones did not have to happen. The State’s Attorney’s Office will continue to fight alongside law enforcement to protect our community and hold offenders accountable for senseless acts of gun violence like this one.”
Stay tuned to this article for further updates.