Phoenix man's murder sparks outrage and a determined quest for justice, as the victim's mother calls for accountability following the release of a detailed medical examiner's report. Jake Kelly, 49, fell prey to a brutal beating in August 2023 that led to his death less than two weeks later, leaving a community shaken.
The investigation into Kelly's demise took a pivotal turn when, according to ABC15, the newly released medical examiner report classified the death as a homicide. The harrowing account of Kelly's injuries, ranging from skull and rib fractures to scrapes and bruises, paints a grim picture of the violence he endured. "He was hurt from his feet to the top of his head," Jake's mother, Jan, told ABC15 in an interview. The depth of her grief was evident as she insisted, "They need to pay for that."
The case took a dark turn when supposed details emerged about the suspects currently facing charges related to the case. According to court documents obtained by ABC15, photos of Kelly's injuries were allegedly shared by two suspects on the night of the assault. 34-year-old Angel Mullooly is charged with second-degree murder, while Cory Young, 44, and Shannon Young, 37, face indictments for hindering an investigation after they allegedly left Kelly on a couch without medical care for nearly 18 hours following the assault.
Doubts over the suspects' claims of innocence linger when background information surfaces. Cory Young is not only a previously convicted felon but also had social media evidence at one point hinting at an allegiance to white supremacy. "He's dangerous," said Jan, voicing her fears to ABC15. Despite these concerns, an attempt is being made by Cory Young's legal team to reduce his bond, claiming minimal evidence against him and denying he is a threat, as per court documents.
Further details of the investigation are developing as the Phoenix Police Department pieced together the events leading to Kelly's critical discovery, with blunt force trauma, on that fateful August night. As reported by ABC15, Mullooly faces a $1 million secured-appearance bond, while bonds set for the Youngs stand at $100,000 and $50,000 respectively. All three defendants must avoid contact with each other and any alleged witnesses.
With the courtroom set to reconvene on April 12.
