Sunday marks five years since Corey Jones was shot and killed by a Palm Beach Gardens Police officer.
Corey Jones may be gone, but the city is trying to make sure that his memory lives on by designating October 18 as a special day in his memory.
“Man I miss that boy. Corey was a good and kind kid,” said Clinton Jones Sr., Corey’s father.
Clinton Jones Sr. says this weekend is a difficult time.
On October 18, 2015, Corey, a housing inspector and a church musician, was shot to death by plain-clothed Palm Beach Gardens police officer Nouman Raja when Corey’s SUV broke down on an I-95 exit ramp in Palm Beach Gardens.
Raja was convicted of manslaughter and attempted murder and is now serving a 25-year prison sentence.
“Your son, your family member is also a family member of this city. He paid the ultimate price, the ultimate sacrifice if only because of the fact that he is black,” said Shelly Petrolia, Delray Beach Mayor.
Friends honored Corey with a rap song.
Donations are being accepted for a statue of Corey Jones to be placed at Old School Square in downtown Delray Beach.
“We miss him a lot. Like really a lot. I know the community misses him a lot. My family, you know it’s a hard day,” said C.J. Jones, Corey’s older brother.
Organizers say Corey’s death and the recent death of George Floyd in Minneapolis—who was also killed by a police officer---shows we have a long way to go.
Corey’s family says it’s touching to have a special day each year in October to honor their beloved son.
“It means a lot. It just shows how the city of Delray Beach is reaching out to all races of people and that’s a great honor," said Clinton Jones Sr.
The fundraising goal to raise money for a statue in honor of Corey Jones is $150,000. Organizers are now looking for an artist or sculptor with a national reputation who wants to take part in this project. They hope to have the statue in place at Old School Square sometime next year.
Donations can be sent to The Corey Lamar Jones Foundation, Ben Crump Law, PLLC, 122 S. Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, FL 32301.
Anyone seeking further information can contact Jeff Mustard, 954-801-8263.