North Texas Teen Dies in Accidental Shooting, Parents Speak Out

Jayden Jones, 16, was killed in a tragic accident just days before his first job interview.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:05pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a single bullet casing on a dark background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic that conceptually represents the tragic aftermath of an accidental shooting.The devastating aftermath of an accidental shooting that claimed the life of a promising young basketball player.Fort Worth Today

The grieving parents of 16-year-old Jayden Jones are speaking out after their son was killed in an accidental shooting inside their Fort Worth home on Easter Sunday. Jayden, described as a shy but loving teenager who was passionate about basketball, died just days before his first job interview. His parents are now urging other families to cherish every moment with their children.

Why it matters

Jayden's death is the latest in a string of tragic accidental shootings involving teenagers in the Fort Worth area, highlighting the need for greater gun safety education and awareness to prevent such devastating losses. The Jones family's story also underscores the immense pain and grief that families experience when a young life is cut short.

The details

According to police, Jayden was shot in the chest when a gun went off inside the family's home. The teen who was with Jayden at the time has since been arrested. Jayden's parents, Jessica Taylor and Marcus Jones, say their son was just days away from a major milestone - his first job interview - when the tragic accident occurred.

  • On Easter Sunday, Jayden was shot in the family's home on South Hulen Street.
  • Jayden's first job interview was scheduled for the following Tuesday, but he never made it.

The players

Jayden Jones

A 16-year-old Fort Worth resident who was passionate about basketball and was days away from his first job interview when he was killed in an accidental shooting.

Jessica Taylor

Jayden's mother, who is grieving the sudden loss of her son and urging other families to cherish every moment with their children.

Marcus Jones

Jayden's father, who is also grieving the loss of his son and has videos of Jayden's basketball skills.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“You always think you have time, and you don't.”

— Jessica Taylor, Jayden's mother

“Love the game, like going to school. He was a down-to-earth kid.”

— Marcus Jones, Jayden's father

“I don't get to hear my son yelling on the game anymore...oh my God.”

— Jessica Taylor, Jayden's mother

What’s next

The couple spent Thursday morning at The Tree of Life Funeral Home discussing arrangements to celebrate their son's life. They are also urging others to hold their children close.

The takeaway

Jayden's tragic death highlights the devastating impact of accidental gun violence on families and the urgent need for greater gun safety education to prevent such heartbreaking losses in the future.