GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — The family of a man who was stabbed to death in the front yard of his home in Gwinnett County hopes new video of a suspect can help police catch the killer.
Police released new video Wednesday of a suspect walking towards, then away from the home where Matthew Jones, 44, lived in Gwinnett County.
Jones was found dead on Sept. 5 at a home he shared with his parents on Oak Ridge Drive in Suwanee.
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Channel 2′s Matt Johnson spoke to Jones’ father, John Jones, who said the mystery of his son’s murder is as confusing as ever.
A memorial is now outside the family’s home, featuring a cross that Matthew Jones made himself.
John Jones is never too far from the memorial, but said that every day, he wishes his son was home again.
“I just miss having him around,” John Jones said. “I look at (the memorial) quite a bit and think about it and realize that he’s gone, but we will see him again.”
Gwinnett police said that video shows the suspect walking toward the home around 5:20 a.m. on the day of the murder. Around 40 minutes later, he’s seen walking away.
“He was seen wearing a black hoodie with a reflective stripe, white shoes and carrying to a two-strap backpack,” Gwinnett police said.
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Channel 2 Action News that Matthew Jones attended North Metro Baptist Church and worked at Kroger, where he often shared Bible verses to encourage co-workers.
He also loved golf, the Atlanta Braves, the Florida Gators and hiking in the mountains.
Police are no closer to releasing a motive, and Jones’ family can’t make sense of who would want him killed.
“It’s hard to think of anybody that he knew who would even do anything like that,” John Jones said. “It’s hard to understand why, That’s my main question now, is why?”
Matthew Jones’ father said he has already forgiven his son’s killer, but he hopes the video leads to an arrest and justice.
“They’re one of God’s children, they just made a mistake,” John Jones said. “Why, we don’t know.”
Police said if you recognize anything about the suspect to please call the Gwinnett Police Department.
John Jones said he used to work for a prison ministry speaking to inmates. Now, he wants to talk to his son’s killer.
Tips can also be sent anonymously through Crime Stoppers by calling 404-577-8477.
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