The death penalty is now on the table for the man accused of murdering a retired Scott County School bus driver. The news broke in court Friday afternoon, five years after Sue Jones was beaten to death in her home. It was a moment her family said they have been waiting for.
Sue’s daughter, Gail Jones has never given up since her mother was killed. For five years she’s been fighting for her mom, and fighting for one thing.
“Let her know it’s over, that justice has been done,” said Gail. On Friday she said she was one step closer to that justice for Sue.
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“I am totally surprised and I am totally happy. You know, now we are definitely going for the death penalty,” said Gail.
In court Friday afternoon, the Scott County Commonwealths Attorney announced they are seeking the death penalty against Nick Willinger. Willinger is accused of beating Sue to death during a botched burglary in February of 2010.
Last month Ciji Jefferson, Sue’s former neighbor, plead guilty to complicity to commit burglary for driving Willinger to the crime. Before Willinger and Jefferson were arrested in January of 2014, the case had been cold for four years.
“Last year was their arrest, and it blew me away, it totally blew me away… And now, another year later, it’s like wow,” said Gail. Her relentless determination to find her mother’s killer, feels like it’s coming to a close.
“Honestly, I would like to watch him die,” said Gail. “That way he will feel the pain, the pain that she had to feel.”
While the state is seeking the death penalty, that outcome depends on the trail. Gail said Willinger’s trial is set for January of 2016, and Jefferson is scheduled to be sentenced afterward. Gail said she wants a guilty verdict in Willinger’s trial, and then some answers.
“Why would you do this? I just don’t get it,” said Gail. While she may never know why, she hopes to have closure by this time next year, for the sixth anniversary of her mother’s death.
“Let’s celebrate the greatness of mom’s life, let’s celebrate that justice is going to be done,” said Gail.
