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Name:
Jones, Jennifer Lee
Date of Booking:
11/02/2022
Reason(s) For Booking:
Cruelty to Child-2nd Degree-Criminal Negligence/Cause Excessive Physical/Mental Pain
Trafficking in Cocaine, Illegal Drugs, Marijuana, or Methamphetamine
Murder
Murder
Officer’s Narrative:
[Please note: The following is a direct transcription from the official initial incident report. The Georgia Gazette does not fix any spelling or grammatical errors that may exist. Any changes or redactions made by our staff are placed inside brackets. Some errors may exist. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The topics discussed may be sensitive to some readers. Discretion is advised.]
On Wednesday, March 16th, 2022 at approximately 1535 hours, I was dispatched to [1100 BLOCK] Mission Road Cartersville GA, 30145 in reference to unknown problem.
Upon arrival I observed [REDACTED BY AGENCY] laying on the bedroom floor not moving. I began chest compressions while Deputy Black began providing breaths with a bag valve mask. We continued CPR until Bartow County Fire and Atlanta Metro EMS arrived. CPR was still preformed while loading [REDACTED BY AGENCY] in the ambulance. Patient was transported to Piedmont Medical Center.
I spoke with Jennifer Jones who stated she had talked to [REDACTED BY AGENCY] around 1519 hours. Jennifer advised 15 minutes later she walked into [REDACTED BY AGENCY] room and noticed he was not moving, she shook [REDACTED BY AGENCY] and told him to wake up. She noticed [REDACTED BY AGENCY] lips were blue. Jennifer pulled [REDACTED BY AGENCY] out of the chair and laid him on the floor. Jennifer called 911.
Jennifer stated [REDACTED BY AGENCY] has no past history of drug abuse or medical history.
I spoke with [WITNESS #1] who was upstairs at the time of the incident. He stated that he did not hear anything happening downstairs. [WITNESS #1] has a hard time hearing due to hearing loss.
Investigator Michaela Menzel, Agent Matthew Scoggins, and Agent Jeremy Gazzero arrived and the scene was turned over to them.
[End of Narrative]
All information is sourced directly from the official, public court database. Case history is organized and curated by The Georgia Gazette staff. The “What this means:” explanations are written by AI and reviewed by our staff before publishing.
Court records are subject to change at the court’s discretion. The Georgia Gazette is not responsible for errors or omissions. Nothing here is legal advice. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
CASE HISTORY:
3/28/23
BOND ORDER – As reflected on the bond paperwork is set at $250,000
What this means: A bond order sets the amount or conditions for release from jail. A cash bond is paid with money, and a property bond uses property instead. Both ensure the person returns to court.
2/20/25
INDICTMENT – NEW CHARGES: Felony Murder, VGCSA – Trafficking Fentanyl, Murder in the Second Degree, Cruelty to Children in the Second Degree, Conspiracy to Deliver and Distribute Fentanyl
What this means: Is a formal charge by a grand jury stating there is enough evidence to take a case to trial. The new charges include felony murder, meaning a death occurred during the commission of another serious crime; trafficking fentanyl under the Georgia Controlled Substances Act, which involves illegally possessing or distributing large amounts of fentanyl; second-degree murder, which involves causing a death through reckless or dangerous behavior; cruelty to children in the second degree, meaning harm or neglect of a child; and conspiracy to deliver and distribute fentanyl, which means agreeing with others to illegally sell or distribute fentanyl. Together, these charges indicate the State believes there is sufficient evidence to prosecute these serious offenses.
3/14/25
DEFENSE ENTRY OF APPEARENCE, WAIVER, MOTION TO SUPPRESS, MOTION FOR DISCOVERY
What this means: An Entry of Appearance is a document filed by an attorney to officially notify the court that they represent a party in the case. A Waiver means giving up a specific legal right, such as the right to a formal hearing or the right to be served certain documents. A Motion to Suppress asks the court to exclude evidence because it was obtained illegally or in violation of rights. A Motion for Discovery asks the court to require the other side to share evidence and information needed to prepare the case.
4/2/25
STATE DISCLOSURE CERTIFICATE AND NOTICES – STATE’S DISCOVERY (STATE)
What this means: Is a document filed by the prosecution to confirm it has shared all required evidence and information with the defense. The disclosure certificate shows the State has met its legal duty to provide discovery materials. The notices inform the defense about specific things the State plans to use, such as witnesses, expert testimony, or certain evidence. This process helps ensure fairness by giving the defense clear notice of what the State intends to rely on in the case.
6/9/25
STATE AMENDED SERVICE MATERIAL – STATE’S DISCOVERY – 1ST AMENDED STATES COMBINE DISCOVERY
What this means: The prosecution is re-sending updated evidence to the defense.
“Amended” shows the original discovery was corrected, changed, or added to.
“State’s discovery” refers to the evidence and information the prosecution must share.
“1st amended combined discovery” means this is the first updated version, grouped into one set of materials.
7/15/25
DEFENSE MOTION TO SUPPRESS
What this means: A legal request asking the court to prevent certain evidence from being used at trial. It is usually filed when the defense believes the evidence was obtained illegally—such as through an unlawful search, an improper arrest, or a violation of constitutional rights. If the judge agrees that evidence is excluded and the prosecution cannot use it.
7/15/25
DEFENSE MOTION TO DISMISS
What this means: Is a formal request asking a court to throw out a case (or part of a case) before it goes to trial.
8/12/25
DEFENSE MOTION FOR COMPETENCY EVALUATION
What this means: A formal request to the court asking for a mental health assessment to determine if a person is competent to stand trial.
8/18/25
CONSENT ORDER FOR MENTAL HEALTH EVALUATION
What this means: A court document where a person agrees—or the court orders—to have a mental health evaluation. This evaluation is done by a professional to check the person’s mental health, which can help the court understand things like competency, behavior, or treatment needs. Essentially, it allows the court to get professional information about the person’s mental state to make decisions in the case.
9/5/25
SECOND CONSENT ORDER FOR MENTAL HEALTH EVALUATION
What this means: A court document showing that a person agrees—or is ordered—to have a mental health evaluation for the second time. The evaluation, done by a professional, helps the court understand issues like competency, behavior, or treatment needs.
11/7/25
LEAVE OF ABSENCE FILED BY DEFENSE COUNSEL
What this means: The defense attorney, Lance McCoy, told the court he would be unavailable on certain dates. This is advance notice so hearings or deadlines aren’t scheduled when the lawyer can’t attend.
1/6/26
OUTPATIENT RESTORATION ORDER
What this means: The judge ordered the defendant to complete outpatient treatment to help restore their mental competency so they can understand the court process and assist in their own defense. “Outpatient” means the person does not stay in a facility but attends treatment sessions as directed.
1/23/26
LEAVE OF ABSENCE FILED BY DEFENSE COUNSEL
What this means: The defense attorney, Lance McCoy, told the court he would be unavailable on certain dates. This is advance notice so hearings or deadlines aren’t scheduled when the lawyer can’t attend.
2/10/26
CALENDAR CALL HEARING SCHEDULED AT 9:00 AM
What this means: A court session where the judge and attorneys review and organize upcoming jury trials. It confirms which cases are ready, ensures everyone is prepared, and sets or adjusts trial dates. A Jury Trial is the actual trial where a jury listens to evidence and decides the outcome of the case.
4/14/26
CALENDAR CALL HEARING SCHEDULED AT 9:00 AM
What this means: A calendar call is a short court hearing where the judge checks on the status of the case. The court confirms whether the case is ready to move forward, sets future dates, or discusses any remaining issues.
6/2/26
CALENDAR CALL SCHEDULED — JENNIFER LEE JONES
What this means: A calendar call is scheduled for June 2, 2026, in the Jennifer Lee Jones case in Bartow County Superior Court. A calendar call is a routine court appearance where the judge checks the status of the case — whether it is ready for trial, whether any motions are pending, or whether a new date needs to be set. No outcome has been reported from this appearance.
8/18/26
CALENDAR CALL SCHEDULED — JENNIFER LEE JONES
What this means: Another calendar call is scheduled for August 18, 2026, at 9:00 AM in the Jennifer Lee Jones case in Bartow County Superior Court. As with the June calendar call, this is a status check where the court will assess whether the case is ready to move forward. This may reflect ongoing monitoring of Jones’s competency restoration progress or other pretrial matters.