Efrem O. Jones was 30 and living in Decatur, Illinois when he was killed on December 24, 2021. A photographer who had recently begun running a small studio out of his apartment, he had just finished a family portrait session with Jatrevius Jarrett, Jarrett’s girlfriend, their baby, and Jarrett’s mother, Kiona Cliff. As the family left the building they were attacked by several assailants outside. Mistakenly believing Efrem had set them up, Jarrett and Cliff returned and confronted him.

When Efrem exited the building, Jarrett shot him six times, killing him instantly. The Decatur Police determined Efrem had no involvement in the attack on the family. Jarrett, 19 at the time, and Cliff were arrested and charged in connection with Efrem’s killing; Jarrett later received a 50-year sentence and Cliff a 16-year sentence. Efrem’s mother, Vanessa Jones, lost an older son to COVID-19 earlier in 2021 and described the family’s pain after these losses.

If anyone knew Efrem, his studio work, or the events that night, please share what you know.