News

Actions

70-year-old mother charged with murdering husband, son

Posted at 8:16 PM, Apr 19, 2012
and last updated 2012-04-21 10:13:31-04

CLICK FOR UPDATE: 70-year-old mom charged with murders made 911 call to police

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WTVR) - Police arrested Estelle Virginia Jones , 70, for the murders of her husband and son Thursday in Chesterfield County, Virginia.

Family members told CBS 6 Estelle and Joseph Jones had been married for 50  years.  He was a deacon at Oak Hill Baptist Church and is described as a man of deep faith who was devoted to his family.

Their son, 50-year-old Perry Jones, was described by family members as mentally challenged.

[Click to watch: Cousin stunned after 70-year-old’s murder arrest]

Police described the murders, which took place in a home along the 11900 block of River Road,  as a domestic dispute. Family members and friends gathered outside the home as news of the deaths spread through the community.

“If she did it, she must've snapped,” said pastor Eliza Bailey.  “Maybe [it was] stress.  He'd been recovering from heart problems lately," said Antrynett Robertson, a family friend.

“He spoke on Monday night that his wife had a bad headache but other than that he bragged about his family,” said Bailey.  “[He] was so proud of all of them.  We never saw this coming."

Forensic technicians collected evidence at the house off River Road as family members gathered in groups, some hugging.    Chesterfield police confirm one man had a bullet wound and are still investigating the second man’s cause of death.

Police are classifying the killings as domestic murder, which is baffling to everyone that knew the victims and suspect.  “I'm sorry it happened.  She had to have snapped,” said Bailey.  “Only God knows what happened inside that house."

None of the neighbors and friends said they heard gunfire.

Jones is being held in the Chesterfield County Jail without bond pending her appearance at 2 p.m. in the Chesterfield County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court on Friday, April 20.