x
Breaking News
More () »

Alexis Crawford's roommate, Jordyn Jones, waives first court appearance

An official motive has not been established, but authorities said she did file a sexual assault report days before her death.

ATLANTA — The roommate of a 21-year-old Clark Atlanta University student found dead in a park waived her first court appearance Monday morning after being charged in connection to her death. 

Authorities charged Jordyn Jones with malice murder in the death of Alexis Crawford. A date and time will next be set for her preliminary hearing. 

"Jordyn had been Alexis' friend and her roommate," Atlanta Police Chief Erika Shields said during a brief news conference late Friday afternoon.

Credit: Fulton County Sheriff's Office
Jordyn Jones was arrested on Nov. 9, 2019 and charged with malice murder in the death of college student Alexis Crawford.

Crawford was reported missing by her family Nov. 1 after they said they had not heard from her for several days. Crawford's disappearance sparked a community-wide search effort. 

RELATED: Clark Atlanta community comes together for candlelight vigil for Alexis Crawford

Authorities announced Friday that Crawford had been found dead in a DeKalb County park off Columbia Drive. Later reports revealed that Crawford died from asphyxiation. 

Authorities said they are still trying to establish a motive, but Crawford did file a sexual assault report prior to her death.

"While a motive has not been clearly established, the department did take a police report from Alexis Crawford on October 27, and this is a few days prior to her being reported missing. In this report, Alexis described unwanted kissing and touching from Barron Brantley."

According to Atlanta Police, Jones is Barron Brantley's girlfriend.

"The case has come to one of the saddest conclusions possible and has been absolutely heartbreaking," Shields said. "And to Alexis' family, our hearts go out to you. I am so truly sorry that we could not provide you with a better ending."

Credit: Fulton County Sheriff's Office
Barron Brantley previous mugshots

Brantley was arrested and charged with murder on Friday evening and Brantley waived his first court appearance on the same day. His preliminary hearing has been scheduled for November 22  before a Fulton Superior Court judge. He remains in the Fulton County Jail without bond. Brantley has several prior arrests. 

Crawford's funeral has been set for Nov. 16 at 12 p.m. at Hill Chapel Baptist Church. The university announced they are making counselors available to speak with students in the days to come. 

Who is Barron Brantley - the man accused of killing Alexis Crawford

MORE ON ALEXIS CRAWFORD'S DEATH: 

Jordyn Jones arrested in connection with murder of Alexis Crawford

'It's frightening': Alexis Crawford death has AUC students on-edge

Funeral arrangements for Alexis Crawford, slain Clark Atlanta student, announced

Missing Clark Atlanta student Alexis Crawford found dead

'One of the saddest conclusions possible': What police said about missing Clark Atlanta student Alexis Crawford

Before You Leave, Check This Out