What happened to Ja’Diamond Jones? Family launches fundraiser as nursing student killed days before graduation

Ja’Diamond Jones, a 20-year-old nursing student was fatally shot at a Tremé, New Orleans, hookah lounge on May 12, 2023. She was all set to attend her graduation on Thursday at the Nunez Community College but was shot to death before she could attend her graduation. Ja’Diamond Jones, a mother of a toddler son, was reportedly in the lounge that day to celebrate her achievements.

Trigger warning: The article contains references to gun violence. Readers’ discretion is advised.

Authorities are yet to reveal additional information regarding a possible motive behind the shooting and the suspect involved in it. Apart from Jones, another woman identified as Imani Williams was also killed in the shooting.

Imani was a sophomore at Southern University pursuing a degree in business management. Ja’Diamond Jones’ family launched a GoFundMe fundraiser to raise funds for her son Khaza.

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Ja’Diamond Jones was killed in a shooting last week

In a horrific shooting that took place on May 12, 2023, two young women as Ja’Diamond Jones and Imani Williams were shot dead at a Tremé hookah lounge. Jones was about to graduate on Thursday but was killed at the age of 20 before she could even attend her graduation ceremony.

According to law enforcement officials, gunshots were fired on a dreadful day in the 1000 block of North Claiborne, which killed the two young women.

A fellow student at Nunez Community College spoke about Ja’Diamond Jones. The student said that Jones was anxious about the graduation and that she wanted to give her toddler a better life. They added that Jones loved helping people and that she would have been an “awesome nurse.”

Law enforcement officials confirmed that the shooting took place at around 1:30 am local time. Witnesses claimed that a graduation party was on when the shots were fired, however, they had no idea where the bullets came from. Nearby residents described the gunshots as fireworks.

A neighbor identified as Davis Sterling said that he and his wife were lying in bed when they heard around 10-15 shots being fired. He said that as soon as they heard the shots, they dove behind the bed.

Sterling added that this wasn’t the first time that there was an incident of gun violence in the area. He said:

“Bullet holes in the side from the shooting this corner, bullets went through the wall, l went through the speakers by my couch, someone in my house could’ve gotten shot so I’m upset about it but we can’t do nothing about it. I’m sorry for the two young ladies who got shot.”

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Jones’ family organized a balloon release to honor her

Jones’ relatives and friends had organized a balloon released on May 16, to honor the deceased young woman.

The same has also been confirmed in the GoFundMe fundraiser post, which stated that Homegoing Services are scheduled for May 19, 2023. The services will be held at around 10 am local time at New Home Church at 1616 Carondelet St.

The fundraiser aimed at raising an amount of $10,000, and already has over $3700 from 60. The post said that Jones was loved by her fellow students and the faculty. The 20-year-old was known for her positivity, her smile, and her friendly demeanor.

In the fundraiser post, Ja’Diamond Jones has also been described as an amazing educator. Her father, Jerome spoke about his daughter’s death and said that he hoped that she died in the first bullet because he knew that she would have "fought like hell" for her son.

The entire community including her friends, relatives, and family members is mourning the loss of the student. Jerome Jones further addressed Ja’Diamond and said that she was really proud of what she was doing.

He confirmed that the victim never got into any trouble, and was even got offended by comments made by Mayor LaTora Cantrell. Cantrell addressed the issue of the increase in violence against women, and said that women also played a role in the violent activity in the city.

The mayor added that people were involved in criminal activity in the city and on the streets of New Orleans. Cantrell noted that all genders were involved in crime and that they were "seeing that."

Jerome responded to the comments by saying that Ja’Diamond Jones never got into trouble and never found herself inside or even around a police vehicle.

Authorities are currently investigating the matter, and trying to locate possible suspects and motive behind the shooting that killed the two young women.