CHESTER, Pa. – A Chester man faces homicide charges after allegedly admitting to hitting a 60-year-old man in the head with a stick in July. Blair L. Jones, 37, of the 1100 block of Madison Street, was arraigned Friday on charges of possessing an instrument of crime, criminal homicide, third-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, and involuntary manslaughter.
According to a criminal complaint, police found the victim, Robert Thompson, bleeding from the head on July 16. Thompson was taken to a medical center with significant head trauma and later succumbed to his injuries in September. Police described the assault as a random act of violence, as the victim was reportedly on his way to church services at the time of the attack.
The suspect allegedly admitted to getting into an altercation with Thompson and hitting him once on the head with a large stick. Jones was originally charged with aggravated assault, recklessly endangering another person, possession of an instrument of crime, and related offenses. The case was updated to include the homicide-related charges after Thompson’s death.
Jones remains in custody at the county jail without bail. His next status date is scheduled for Feb. 27 in Common Pleas Court. Assistant District Attorney Brian Denk is prosecuting the case.
The incident shocked the local community, with many expressing concern over the senseless act of violence. The victim’s family, as well as concerned citizens, are calling for justice to be served in this tragic case.
This case underscores the need for better intervention and support for individuals at risk of engaging in violent behavior, as well as the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. The court’s decision on this matter will set a precedent for how such cases are handled in the future.