Double Murder Suspect Wanted in Mansfield Arrested by U.S. Marshals in Columbus

Columbus, OH –  Early this morning, members of the U.S. Marshals Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (SOFAST) arrested Ja’Vontae Jones, 22.  Jones was wanted by the Mansfield Police Department for murder.

Jones was wanted by Mansfield Police for the June 8, 2023, murders of Jonathan Ash, 18, and Nathan Carroll, 18.  Police responded to a vehicle crash and gunshots in the area of West Fourth St. and North Lake Park. Both were found shot to death in or near the vehicle.  

In December of last year, a warrant for Jones’ arrest was issued.  The warrant was turned over to the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF) for investigation into where Jones may be hiding.  Investigators found that Jones was possibly living in Columbus.  This morning, SOFAST was able to locate Jones and arrest him at a home on Alumcrest Ln. in Columbus.

U.S. Marshal Michael Black stated, “Our Columbus community is safer today knowing this violent fugitive is off the streets.  Fugitives will not find a place to hide in Southern Ohio, they will be found, arrested and brought to justice for their crimes.”

Jones will remain in the Franklin County Jail until he can be extradited back to Mansfield to face the charges against him.    

U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott added, “Dedicated police work by the Mansfield Police Department and outstanding teamwork across the state of Ohio is what will continue to ensure justice for the community in Mansfield as well as across the state of Ohio.”

Anyone with information concerning a wanted fugitive can contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED (1-866-492-6833), or you can submit a web tip. Reward money is available, and tipsters may remain anonymous.  Follow the U.S. Marshals on Twitter @USMSCleveland.  

The NOVFTF Mansfield Division consists of the following federal, state and local agencies:  United States Marshals Service, Mansfield Police Department, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Richland County Probation, Richland County Sheriff’s Office, Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, Bucyrus Police Department, Crestline Police Department, Galion Police Department, Huron County Sheriff’s Office, Lexington Police Department, Loudenville Police Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ontario Police Department, Plymouth Police Department, and Willard Police Department.