Police seek leads in murder of man found in Publix lot

CLERMONT — Relatives of Andrew Da’Von Jones sat solemnly Monday, holding photos of the young man smiling at his father’s wedding and donning his Lake Minneola High School football jersey.

They’re memories family members are clinging to more than three weeks after Jones was found shot to death outside of a Clermont Publix.

The 21-year-old was found lying in the store’s parking lot on Feb. 5, not far from the entrance, with a fatal gunshot wound to the torso. Jones drove to the Publix in his stepmother’s white Volkswagen, which had been missing since the crime. It was last seen leaving the East Towne Center Plaza at State Road 50 and County Road 455.

“There’s somebody who shot somebody. There’s a murderer out there,” his father, Steven Jones, pleaded at a news conference arranged by police. “They could go do it again.”

Investigators in search of a lead received a break of sorts Sunday evening, when nearby Oakland police found the car charred in a wooded area. Defaced with graffiti, the car was hidden behind Pollard Park, where kids often play basketball.

Despite attempts to conceal evidence, Clermont police Chief Charles Broadway said he thinks investigators can gather evidence from the vehicle to provide clues to the killer of the former Lake Minneola quarterback.

“Criminals sometimes think if they burn a vehicle, they’ll get rid of all the evidence. That’s not always true.” Broadway said. “There is still some evidential value that we’re seeking to help us identify the suspect.”

For the family, answers have been few and far between.

Jones went to Valencia State College for a time, his father said.

He was also looking for a job, Steven Jones said.

“This is my son — he’s been by my side since he was a little boy,” he said. “It’s a feeling that no parent should have to feel.”