Memphis, TN – Tyshjohn Jones, 20 and Jayln Gray, 19 have been sentenced to a total of 264 months in federal prison for carjacking, aiding and abetting, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on April 29, 2020, victim J.W. reported to the Memphis Police Department that he noticed two males walking toward his home on Winway Drive. As the victim parked his 1999 Ford Explorer in his driveway, he was approached by two males, one of whom was armed with a handgun. The male with the handgun demanded money from the victim’s wallet and the keys to his vehicle. The suspects had trouble unlocking the vehicle, threatened to shoot the victim, and demanded he unlock his phone. When the suspects fled in the vehicle, the victim notified law enforcement. The gunman was later identified as Tyshjohn Jones, and the other suspect was a juvenile.
Several days later, on May 2, 2020, Jones, Gray, and a juvenile suspect, were driving the stolen Ford Explorer on Florida Avenue. The Explorer was not working when a good Samaritan, victim P.F., stopped to help. P.F. was driving a 2004 Cadillac Deville. He opened the hood of his vehicle to give the suspects a “boost” and as he turned around Jones was pointing a gun at his head. As the victim tried to stop them, one of them got out of the vehicle, striking him with a pistol in the head, face, and ribs. The suspects fled in the Cadillac.
On May 6, 2020, officers went to 1800 block of New Gate Drive, regarding a previous unrelated burglary at an automobile dealership. Officers searched the home and found multiple keys determined to be related to multiple vehicle thefts. Officers located personal property belonging to victim J.W. and keys to his vehicle. Jones and Gray were present at the residence, as well as other suspects. Further investigation revealed Gray’s fingerprints were found on the recovered Ford Explorer.
Gray waived Miranda rights and admitted to carjacking the Cadillac. Jones waived Miranda rights and admitted to carjacking the Ford and the Cadillac.
On August 13, 2021, Jones entered a guilty plea to counts involving both carjackings and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime. Gray entered a guilty plea to the May 2, 2020, carjacking as well as brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime.
On November 29, 2021, U.S. District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced both defendants. Jones was sentenced to 168 months in federal prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. Gray was sentenced to 96 months in federal prison to be followed by three years of supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department’s Violent Crime Unit and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Explosives (ATF).
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel D. Winnig and Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth J. Rogers prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. SAUSA Winnig is currently assigned from the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office for prosecuting violent crimes and firearms offenses in federal court.
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Protecting children by combating the proliferation of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes.
Reducing violent crime by networking with local programs that target violent crime and providing these programs with tools to be successful.
Making sure that victims of federal crimes are treated with compassion, fairness and respect.