Self-Defense Claim Under Review Following Arrest of July 6 Homicide Suspect

A self-defense claim for the July 6 homicide of Jawaun Jones is under review following this morning's outstanding arrest of Misael Garcia, 29, by South Precinct officers on Antioch Pike. Jones, 16, was riding his skateboard on Antioch Pike when he was approached by three individuals. A physical altercation took place before Jones dropped a pistol. One of the three individuals retrieved it and shot Jones.

Garcia was recorded by a surveillance camera jumping a nearby fence just after the shooting. He was seen walking on Antioch Pike this morning when three South Precinct officers recognized him and when they approached, he admitted to being involved.

During an interview with Homicide Unit detectives, Garcia claimed he shot Jones in self-defense. That assertion remains under investigation by the MNPD and the District Attorney's Office.

Garcia was charged with evidence tampering after admitting to discarding the pistol after the fatal shooting. He is currently being held on $3,200 bond.