Charges dropped against man accused in 2017 Del City double murder case

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — On Thursday, the Oklahoma County District Attorney dismissed it’s case against Roshaun Jones, who was accused of a killing two people at a Del City laundromat in 2017.

Jones was arrested on January 27, 2017, by Del City Police for his suspected role in the murders of 42-year-old Nekia Jackson and 60-year-old Russ Roberts at a Del City laundromat.

He was charged less than a week later by the Oklahoma County DA on two counts of first degree murder, one count of robbery with a firearm, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Although his trial was originally set for September 8, 2018, the DA’s Office said “numerous unforeseeable roadblocks” led to major delays in Jones’ case, including a judge’s retirement, deaths of the lead detective and a public defender representing Jones, the Covid pandemic, and a new prosecution team being assigned to the case after the election of a new DA.

News 4 talked with Jones on the phone about the decision.

“I can’t stop smiling, it’s crazy surreal. I was just expecting that one day they would realize they have the wrong person,” said Jones.

The decision to dismiss was made before prosecutors were preparing to go to trial on Monday. Jones’ charges were dismissed without prejudice, meaning the DA may refile charges against him in the future.

Criminal Attorney David Smith said this does not happen often.

“It is not common but it does happen. It makes me think that as a new D.A. inheriting an older case, they’re taking a second look at it as we would want a prosecutor do, to only prosecute cases that are rock solid against individuals,” said Smith.

Despite the dismissal, Jones will still be serving time in prison for a separate case. According to the DA’s Office, Jones is currently serving a 15-year sentence in the Oklahoma Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to five drug-related charges in October 2023.

“Can you imagine one day you’re just going about your natural life and the next minute you’re incarcerated and looking at losing your life?” said Jones.

The DA’s Office also says Del City double murder case remains open as the investigation continues.

“I didn’t do it and I pray the person who did it is brought to justice,” said Jones.

The Del City Police Department issued the following statement on Thursday afternoon regarding the dropped charges.

This morning, we learned that the First Degree Murder charges filed against Roshaun Jones were
dismissed. We respect the decision of the District Attorney’s Office and are committed to continuing to work with prosecutors in anyway possible to seek justice for Nekia Jackson and Russ Roberts.

Because this investigation is still open and ongoing, there is no further information we can release at this time.

Del City Police Department

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