> Loved ones mourn Lakeland father killed as innocent bystander in alleged botched drug deal
Loved ones mourn Lakeland father killed as innocent bystander in alleged botched drug deal
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Description
The search for accountability continues for a Lakeland father.
Sheriff Grady Judd announced the arrests of six people, including minors, in connection to the death of Nathaniel Jones on Monday. Despite this, a family member of Jones said there's no bringing closure.
"He's a great dad, great son, great brother," DeAndre Dickey, a cousin of Jones, said. "If you call, he's going to pick up the phone. He's very loving, very understanding, very positive."
Dickey said he shared the same birthday as his little cousin and they would often celebrate together. The two would communicate at least weekly.
A fan of auto racing and sports, particularly the Florida State University Seminoles, Dickey said his cousin had a knack for making others laugh and cracking jokes.
Above all, Dickey said Jones would always have his back. He was there to uplift him upon starting a new job opportunity and helped keep him motivated.
Being from Medulla meant Jones enjoyed the outdoors and he rode his E-bike everywhere, Dickey said.
On Monday, the sheriff's office said Dickey was riding his E-bike to see his brother when a driver slammed into him after a botched drug deal nearby. The car only stopped when it smashed into a home on Pirates Way.
Six people, including four teenagers, were arrested.
"It's very disheartening because, you know, he wasn't involved in it," Dickey said. "I personally don't think I would ever have closure because we were very close."
Dickey said he vows to live his life as happy as he can. It's what Jones would want, but he said it's imperative that those responsible for his death are held accountable.
"You've damaged a whole family," Dickey said. "I hope that they give the maximum punishment to the fullest extent of the law for the actions that led up to our cousin being killed."
If you would like to support Nathaniel Jones' family, they set up a GoFundMe to help pay for funeral expenses.