The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department continues its investigations into the tragic death of 19-year-old Kennedi Aniyah Flora Jones, focusing its efforts on bringing those responsible to justice. On December 31, 2024, CMPD made a significant step forward with the arrest of 21-year-old Dreshon Moreno. As was reported, Moreno is charged with Murder and Conspiracy to Commit Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon, as conveyed by the CMPD's announcement.
Within the first week of the new year, James Ashely Mason, 24, joined his alleged accomplice in custody. The charges levied against him include Murder, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon, and Conspiracy to Commit Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon. These successive arrests indicate that law enforcement is systematically dismantling a web of violence and lawlessness that claimed the life of Jones.
The latest in the series of apprehensions occurred just days ago, yesterday in Winston Salem, North Carolina. Zion Lamont Jennings, 18, has been charged with Murder, Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon, and Conspiracy to Commit Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon. This collaborative arrest, drawing on resources from the Winston Salem Police Department, their Gang Unit, and VCAT—alongside the CMPD VCAT—highlights an inter-agency determination to address violent crimes with a united front. Following the arrest, Jennings was transferred to the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office, as noted in the CMPD's official communication.
Officials have confirmed that the victim's next of kin have been made aware of these pertinent developments. The CMPD continues to encourage anyone with information about the incident to come forth, offering alternative methods for anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers. Detective Barnett is leading the ongoing investigation into a case , further updates are expected as the inquiry progresses and additional evidence or testimonies are gathered and examined.
