Devonta Jones appeared in court Saturday after prosecutors said he abducted and strangled the mother of his two children in Lower Price Hill on May 15. According to court records, Jones is accused of pushing the woman into a vehicle on State Avenue near Liberty Street, forcing her to wear a seatbelt while holding the buckle to keep her from getting out, then driving to an isolated creek and telling her, "Nobody will hear you here." Prosecutors also say Jones took the victim's iPhone. He now faces counts of abduction, strangulation, and theft.
Prosecutors' Account
As reported by WKRC, court records filed at Jones' June 27 arraignment outline the sequence of events investigators allege took place. The documents say the victim was taken from a home on State Avenue near Liberty Street and that Jones repeatedly prevented her from leaving the vehicle wh ile he drove her away. Those details form the basis for the charges now pending against Jones, according to the court paperwork.
Defense Pushes Back
Jones' attorney told the judge that an earlier menacing charge involving the same alleged victim was dismissed and argued in court that the accuser is "weaponizing the system" when she does not get what she wants. The judge acknowledged the defense argument during arraignment and set the case for further proceedings, according to court records and reporting by WKRC.
Help for Survivors
If you or someone you know is affected by domestic violence, statewide and national resources can help with safety planning, shelter, and legal advocacy. The Ohio Domestic Violence Network maintains a statewide information line that connects callers with local programs, and the National Domestic Violence Hotline offers 24/7 confidential support. If there is an immediate threat, call 911.
