The mother of slain a Grenada High School student is leaning on her faith and calling for not only justice but also mercy as law enforcement officials continue investigating her son’s death.
Kortney Jones’ son, 16-year-old Ayden Reno, died on the night of Sept. 22 in the area of Leigh Avenue in Grenada. In a Facebook post on Thursday, Jones called for the four individuals in connection with her son’s death — 18-year-old Lamarion Henderson, 16-year-old Nickolus Brown, 15-year-old Zacarias Steward, and 18-year-old Ryan Spencer — to face prison time for their alleged roles in the fatality.
“I want to make a disclaimer. Have no doubts about it. I will not stop until every person involved in Ayden’s death is charged and locked up,” Jones wrote. “However, I am a woman of God FIRST. So through my anger and sadness and confusion, I still mourn for every child involved. Do I care if they go to prison? Absolutely. That’s where they should be. For a long time.”
However, as the post continued, Jones looked introspectively and noted that her Christian faith continually prompts her to look beyond her anger at the four suspects. Instead of wishing ill upon them, Jones is nearing forgiveness for what allegedly happened to her son and is hopeful that Reno’s passing, which remains under investigation, will lead those suspected of foul play to turn to a higher power and repent.
“God is a jealous God. So while I’m praying for justice, I’m also praying for mercy. Even in my anger, I remember how God saved me, how he snatched me out of darkness before I sent myself to hell,” Jones continued. “So while I will be burying my son in two days, I will pray that each person involved falls on their knees and comes to sorrowful repentance.
“I don’t just talk about God. I love Him for real for real and I try to make sure my life reflects that and THIS won’t cause me to hold unforgiveness in my heart. Every day, I will push to forgive. Forgiveness while yet seeking justice. Love always wins. Light always will shine through the darkness.”
As things stand, Henderson, Brown, and Steward are charged with first-degree murder by deliberate design. Spencer was charged with accessory to murder. Sources close to the scene told SuperTalk Mississippi News that Reno’s death is believed to be linked to gang activity. Reno’s mother, in a follow-up post, contended that her son was killed by design.
“As I prepare to go see my baby’s physical body 1 out of 2 last times, I want to say something to the 4 suspects who PLANNED, and helped carry out Ayden’s murder,” Jones wrote. “Nic Brown, Zacarias Steward, Lemarion Henderson, and Ayden’s trusted ‘friend’ Ryan Spencer: you took away my firstborn child. He may not have meant anything to you, but he meant the world to my family and me.”
A visitation service for Reno will be held at Pine Hill M.B. Church in Grenada on Friday from 1-5 p.m., while the funeral will take place at the Grenada High School auditorium on Saturday at 1 p.m. Reno was beloved in the Grenada community as a football player and a member of the award-winning Vision’s show choir.
