Attorney General Chris Carr and Spalding County Sheriff Darrell Dix have announced that gang member Kionta Parks, of Griffin, has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of 11-year-old Asijah Jones, whom he shot and killed while she was asleep in her bed.
Parks was sentenced on August 5th, 2025, after pleading guilty to all counts brought against him. These counts include Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, Domestic Terrorism, and Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act.
For context, Parks is a member of a criminal street gang with ties to the Rollin 20s Neighborhood Bloods. He lived in Northside Hills Apartments in Griffin, which is a known stronghold for his gang, the Zoo Krew.
Parks was often seen in Spalding Heights carrying firearms and was involved in an ongoing conflict with younger members of the gang.
On March 13th, 2023, Parks targeted another member in a shooting, opening fire on his vehicle as he was turning into Spalding Heights with a three-year-old in the car.
Unfortunately, one of those rounds entered a nearby apartment, traveling through the wall of a bedroom where 11-year-old Asijah Jones was asleep next to her nine-year-old sister. Asijah was struck by one of the rifle rounds and pronounced dead at the scene.
AG Carr commented on the grievous nature of this case and the need to crack down on the behavior of criminals like Kionta Parks. He also mourned the loss of young Asijah Jones.
“No parent should have to worry about their child making it through the night because gang violence is right outside their door. They deserve to feel safe, just like Asijah deserved to be safe,” AG Carr stated. “While nothing can erase the pain caused by this defendant’s senseless actions, we hope there’s comfort in knowing that justice has been served and Asijah’s memory will never be forgotten.”
Sheriff Darrel Dix celebrated the work of investigators and the District Attorney’s Office in getting justice for Ajisah Jones and her family. He also commented on the sentencing of Parks, stating, “He admitted to everyone in that courtroom that he killed an 11-year-old child who had her whole life ahead of her, while his whole life has been a complete failure and waste. Now, he will waste the rest of what time he has left sitting in a prison cell.”
