Suspects in murder of Clark Atlanta University student appear in court

ATLANTA — Two men charged in connection with the killing of a Clark Atlanta University student appeared in court Thursday.

Police charged 18-year-old Jordan Baker, 19-year-old Jonathan Myles and 21-year-old Kaylnn Ruthenberg in the death of 21-year-old James Jones, Jr.

They all face felony murder, aggravated assault and armed robbery charges for allegedly killing Jones, who was shot and killed in February during an apparent Craigslist deal, according to police.

Ruthenberg and Myles appeared in court Thursday.

A detective testified on Thursday that the trio essentially confessed their role in the college student’s murder, including the suspected triggerman, Ruthenberg.

The detective said Baker admitted meeting up with Jones to sell him a nonexistent iPhone. Baker told the detective Jones became spooked when Ruthenberg approached his car, and he tried to take off.

Ruthenberg later admitted he yanked open a car door and opened fire.

“He stated he feared Baker would be injured or something would happen to Baker due to the victim driving off, and he shot Mr. Jones one time,” said Prentist Henderson with the Marietta Police Department.

Henderson said Jones’ car drove around a cul-de-sac, crashing into another car.

Detectives said Ruthenberg, with Myles nearby, chased down the crashed car with Jones seriously hurt inside. Then, they say, he shot him again.

Jones died at the scene, but investigators believe the suspects did not immediately run off, stealing a cellphone, possibly a jacket, and stripping some Nike shoes from the dying man.

“The victim was missing his shoes. We don’t know if Mr. Myles or Mr. Ruthenberg took off the victim’s shoes after the shooting and crash,” said Henderson.

All three men remain in jail without bond.

WSBTV