x
Breaking News
More () »

Jahi Turner Case: Jury selection underway for Tieray Jones trial

Jury selection began Thursday in the trial of the man accused of killing his two-year-old stepson more than 15 years ago.

SAN DIEGO (NEWS 8) — Jury selection began Thursday in the trial of the man accused of killing his two-year-old stepson more than 15 years ago. 

Two-year-old Jahi Turner went missing from a Balboa Park-area playground 15 years ago and his body has never been found.

Tieray Jones, who is accused of killing his two-year-old stepson, was arrested in 2016 when detectives said they gathered enough evidence to charge him with murder. 

Jones reported Jahi missing on April 25, 2002. At the time, he lived in a Golden Hill apartment with the youngster and the child's 18-year-old mother, Navy sailor Tameka Jones.

Last year, prosecutors pushed for jurors to visit the park during the trial. It was a motion opposed by the defense and the judge who said such a field trip with the jury would be “fraught with issues.”

Potential jurors will fill out a questionnaire to screen them for potential conflicts. 

Jury selection is expected to take several days.  

Tieray Dawayne Jones, 37, faces 25 years to life in prison if convicted in the death of 2-year-old Jahi Turner.

RELATED COVERAGE 

Before You Leave, Check This Out