Gallia Parents Charged in Toddler's Death
Gallia Parents Charged in Toddler's Death Save Email Print
Posted: 11:52 AM Nov 19, 2007
Last Updated: 4:53 AM Nov 20, 2007
Reporter: Carrie Cline
Email Address: news@wsaz.com

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A mother and father from Gallia County are in jail charged the death of their 2-year old son.

26-year old Jason C. Jones and 24-year old Tina M. Jones of Bidwell, OH were arrested Friday afternoon. The arrests were the result of grand jury indictments in the case.

Jason Jones is charged with aggravated murder, murder and child endangerment. Tina Jones is charged with endangering children.
Both were arraigned Monday morning in Gallia County Common Pleas Court.

Jason Jones had his bond set at $500,000. His trial is scheduled for February 7

Tina Jones bond was set at $15.000. Her trial is March 24.

Their son, Trenton Jones was to taken to Holtzer Medical Center on October 4.

He was then immediately transferred to Children's Hospital in Columbus where died the next day.

Both parents are in the Gallia County Jail.

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Posted by: connie on May 2, 2008 at 01:00 AM
i am a mother of 6 and a grandmother of 5 i love them dearly how could a mother or father ever hurt there own child or any child they r innocent lil kids we are suppose to be there to protect them not hurt them i hope the parents get exactly what is comeing to them i don't think they should get the death penalty that would be to easy for them i think they should get life in prison so they can set and think of what they did to there son and let the inmates have there way with them suffer jason and tina.....trenton was here on earth for 2 yrs and i am sure he was loved by alot of people but he is with our father up in heaven now trentons father (jesus) will always be with him he is safe from all harm so take real good care of trentons sister and keep her away from those animals that call there selves mom and dad

Posted by: melissa on Mar 29, 2008 at 06:52 PM
i think anybody that is at fault of death of there own children or anybody eles needs alot of time over there head more than what these two are looking forward to. i have two children of my own and one on the way my children mean the world to me i dont know how people can do the things they do to there children and have no regreats about it they just see it as now they are out of the way. i also think if you are a mother and you have anything to do with a childs death you should be fixed in some way so you cant no longer have kids i think that should be the law in any county

Posted by: CW on Jan 5, 2008 at 03:18 PM
I happened to see the mother out and about just the other day and it almost sickened me !!!! I really believe she is just as guilty as the father any mother who sits back and watchs her own flesh and blood go through that at not to minchen such a young age in my opinion doesnt deserve... not even the dirty look I gave her... God bless the couple who cared for these children as much as possible when the parents werent able to and who care for the little girl now they are absolutly heaven sent to that little girl and as for the paternal mother and family that support her may god have mercy on your souls !!! I really feel like this is happening in gallia county often and being unrecognized where is help for these babies ?

Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 14, 2007 at 11:28 AM
In this holy season let us remember Trenton with a prayer. Dear Father, We uplift to you each child who suffers abuse and neglect. We ask that you surround them with arms of protection. Please fill their hurting hearts with Your love and give them Your comfort. Erase from their minds, dear Lord, all thoughts that they may be the cause of their suffering. Father, touch the minds of those who are vested with the power to change these childrens' lives. Give them wisdom and give them strength to seek You as their guide as they act. Be with those who feel they have fought in vain to protect a child and those who are mourning the loss of child dear to their hearts. Give them peace. Be with those who have raised hands and voices in abuse of a child. We know that you extend compassion and mercy to all who seek You with a sincere and contrite hearts. Thank you, Lord, for memories of Trenton and the sunshine he brought to our lives. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Posted by: Former Neighbor on Dec 11, 2007 at 02:08 PM
Everytime I think of this situation it breaks my heart.I just hope the system don't fail Trent again.I have known Jason for a long time and really dont have anything good to say. This is what happens when you let the drugs run your life.

Posted by: Gallia Co. Resident on Nov 24, 2007 at 07:35 PM
I am extremely let down with the professionals in Gallia Co., children services, law enforcement, and the judicial system. Mr. Jones should have done to him what he made his innocent child endure. Perhaps if that was the case he would have never done what he did to poor Trenton. But I am sure he won't have an easy time in prison, for inmates hate baby killers. The way Gallia Co. is the mother probably won't spend a day more in custody! She'll get off scott free for being a wreched mother. But she'll have to stand before GOD one day and then she'll pay!

Posted by: A relative on Nov 24, 2007 at 12:38 PM
To whom replied not to blame children services, and blame the courts and legislators. First of all there are enough laws on the books, every thing that happened, up to the child’s loss of life was against the law, keep the legislators out of it, we don’t need more laws. As far as the courts, they make rulings based on the information provided to them, if bad information is provided, they make poor decisions. With the police, when child abuse is involved, they are required to turn it over to children services. That leaves children services; maybe they need to look at them selves and the way they did their investigation. What it comes down to, a child is dead, a farther did it and a mother knew about it. The father will hopefully get the death penalty. The mother is out of jail, but hopefully she goes to jail and will never be allowed to see her other child again. To the aunt that has the other child, good luck to you and your family and my God bless you and all of of Trenton's family.

Posted by: Caring Aunt on Nov 23, 2007 at 03:59 PM
To all those wondering the other child is safe and being well taken care. I had the wonderful chance to get to raise Trenton for about 14months of his short life. The children have been in and out of their parents home since the other child was a week old. I have reported numerous times the questions of abuse to childrens services,the court and doctors. Trenton was just a typical 2 yr old boy. He loved being outdoors and causing trouble just to see your reaction. We miss him so much everyday and his sister knows that he is in heaven and she can oneday see him again. I will fight with all I have to keep the other child from them now and for ever. Thank you to everyone for your support,concern and prayers. May God bless your lives.

Posted by: To Trent's Grandfather on Nov 23, 2007 at 04:08 AM
I want to tell you how sorry I am to hear of the loss of your grandson. He was a wonderful little boy always with a smile on his face, He will be sadly missed.I'm glad to hear that Samara is being taken care of and does'nt have to endure the abouse at the hands of her parents any longer.Trent may have saved her life.Stay strong,continue loving that little girl.She is gonna need alot of support and love in her future.May god bless you and your family....Kepping you in our thoughts and prayers... Former neighbor of Trent

Posted by: Trenton's Grandfather on Nov 22, 2007 at 10:09 PM
Not a day goes by without thoughts, memories, and pain at the loss of our grandson. Finding the candle he bit into at Thanksgiving last year, leaving his small teeth marks. Having his 3 year old sister her today and watching her play and miss her brother, her mother was not here. From my heart I thank all who have writen and all the thoughts expressed, Trenton is missed. We pray and will work to see that his death was not wasted. And hopefully laws will be changed or enacted to protect other Trenton's from their parents. Court dates of Februart and march seem far off, I hope and pray that what happend to Trenton does not grow dim in the minds of the DA, the courts and law enforcement. And pray that his mother and father never forget.

Posted by: M on Nov 22, 2007 at 03:59 PM
You should have seen this man at the funeral home. I don't know how he could have attended the place. He knew he did this to his child. Both were there having attention drawn to themselves. Watching them cry and carry on and knowing that the death of Trenton was their fault. It was so disturbing to me to see them there. I pray they get what they deserve for such a crime.

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 22, 2007 at 12:01 PM
I don't know these two "parents" (used for description only), and I have no knowledge of what has happened in this poor child's 2 year life. But obviously alot of people in this section have. But in the end, a child lost his life, through the very people who brought him life, and that's sad beyond description. I'd kill over my children, but could never-ever harbor a thought of hurting them. That's the way I think parenting should be, the way I was raised. We can't do anything for Trenton now, and that's sad, but we can learn from this. Don't blame the social workers, the children's services people, or even the law enforcement officers. The do have laws, and procedures to follow, and if the fail to do that, tey'll be locked up faster than the offending party. It's our judicial system, our legislators that make the laws. How many times have we seen a drunk driver arrested in this county, just to see it pleaded down to reckless operation? A 10 time offender, now only has 3 chargeable dui'?

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 22, 2007 at 10:07 AM
Please correct my comment....PCAO is not Protect Child Abuse Ohio. It is Prevent Child Abuse Ohio. So sorry.

Posted by: nana on Nov 22, 2007 at 05:43 AM
the laws NEED to be CHANGED! let's protect the innocent children because they have NO ONE

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 22, 2007 at 05:23 AM
How can childrens services hide behind procedures? I've heard that in Gallia county all they have to do is try to talk to a child who may be abused or neglected. If they make so many tries and don't make contact that's the end of it. Is this true? Anyway I found some phone numbers on PCAO for people who think they know a child in danger. PCAO is Protect Child Abuse Ohio. What can you do to help? Abusive families need help. You could even save a life. Children die every day from abuse and neglect. Often someone is aware of the maltreatment and did not report it. When you report abuse, families are connected with counseling, resources and services. This may reduce stress and save a life. Stopping the cycle of abuse and neglect. Victims of child abuse who receive counseling and treatment are less likely to become abusers or have other problems as they grow up. Who do I call to make a report? In case of an emergency, dial 911. In non-emergency situations, call your local public children services agency to make a report about the abuse. If you do not know that agency’s number, you may check your phone book for the number, click here to see a list of Ohio's public children services agencies (listed by county) which contains that information, or contact Prevent Child Abuse Ohio at (614) 722-6800 or 1-800-CHILDREN for information.

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 22, 2007 at 05:05 AM
Apparently some of the people who posted here are professionals. Do you know? Ohio Revised Code 2151.421 (A)(1)(a) No person described in division (A)(1)(b) if this section who is acting in an official or professional capacity and knows or suspects that a child under eighteen years of age or a mentally retarded, developmentally disabled, or physically impaired child under twenty-one years of age has suffered or faces a threat of suffering any physical or mental wound, injury, disability, or condition of a nature that reasonably indicates abuse or neglect of a child, shall fail to immediately report that knowledge or suspicion to the public children services agency or a municipal or county peace officer in the county in which the child resides or in which the abuse or neglect is occurring or has occurred. (b)Division (A)(1)(a) of this section applies to any person who is: An attorney; physician, including a hospital intern or resident; dentist; practitioner of a limited branch of medicine as specified in section 4731.15 of the Revised Code; registered nurse; licensed practical nurse; visiting nurse; other health care professionals, licensed psychologist; licensed school psychologist; speech pathologist or audiologist; coroner; administrator or employee of a residential camp or child day camp; administrator or employee of a certified child care agency or other public or private children services agency; school teacher; school employee; school authority; person engaged in social work or the practice of professional counseling or a person rendering spiritual treatment through prayer in accordance with the tenets of a well-recognized religion **Responsibility to report suspected child abuse and/or neglect supersedes all professional client/patient confidentiality.

Posted by: somebody on Nov 21, 2007 at 03:56 PM
Sorry, but that is messed up. Where I live, social services will take your kid out of your house if you let them miss 3 unexcused days or less but if you abuse them,,,,hmmmmm.. pretty messed up isn't it?

Posted by: Amy on Nov 21, 2007 at 02:13 PM
I say stick a needle in their arm...they're done! To think people object to the death penalty because it's cruel. Boo-Hoo! What they did to this child was cruel beyond belief. A needle in the arm is easy. I saw a billboard that read take a gun to school and do 5-10 years but what about killing your own child. How about this for a billboard...Kill your child and get released on your own recognizance. What is wrong with this picture? We have a real problem with our system that needs to be fixed IMMEDIATELY! At least this child is now safe in the arms of Jesus. Noone here could protect him so God took him home. He will spend this Christmas with the angels. God bless you Trenton.

Posted by: Concerned on Nov 21, 2007 at 01:01 PM
The parents of Trenton were not model citizens. I knew both of them professionally. It is sad that the child had to suffer numerous times before his life was taken from him. It is common knowledge that the parents were drug users. The father and mother would work together to repeatly fraud any public assitance system. They made false accusations against me that almost made me lose my job. I hope that they have to answer to what they have done to their child. One parent is as guilty as the other, as I strongly feel Tina (the mother), knew that the abuse was happening. Children services has a job that they must do. In this job, there are policies and procedures that the case worker has to follow. This job isn't easy. The public believes that Children Services can go get a child out of a home and take the child into custody without any explanations. Of course, this seems simple, but there are procedures they have to follow.

Posted by: A Grandmom on Nov 21, 2007 at 10:26 AM
I'M ASTOUNDED! As a mom and grandmom, I'm hurt & offended! The 'system' continues to fail Trenton. The release of his Mom , on OR, is an insult to his memory. He died tragically & senselessly because the 'system' did not permanently remove him from harm's way despite repeated (documented)parental abuse & neglect in OH & KY. Now the 'system' imposes a minimal $15,000 bond for Mom & she is released on her own recognizance. PLEASE! She should have had to sit in jail until her trial where she would have been alone with herself long enough to hopefully realize that this isn't 'all about me'& would have had to spend some time reflecting on her actions, bad choices & decisions that contributed to her child's death. Two babies died in one month, alledgely at the hands of their parents, not someplace far away but HERE in Gallia, County, Ohio. Are our resources adequate & are those responsibile for keeping our kids safe competent? We must hold the 'system' accountable! ASK! SPEAK OUT!

Posted by: cyndi on Nov 21, 2007 at 09:48 AM
Let me guess the next great decision to let the other child return to the mother's care... How does the child protection workers and the justice system sleep.

Posted by: Concerned mom on Nov 20, 2007 at 11:16 PM
This is getting to be a common thing now. Murder your child or "abuse" is another term some use. No there is no excuse for this type of punishment to an innocent child of God. We are born and are supposed to be protected by our parents when some are not doing their parenting job. God seen fit for this child and took it home to be with Jesus, our Lord and Savior. We have a merciful God and he is very loving. Thank you for not letting this child suffer any longer and letting him be among our heavenly angels. He wouldn't have stood a chance in that type of environment and the social services did nothing to protect this child. Praise our Lord!

Posted by: LookHere on Nov 20, 2007 at 10:44 PM
Found this in the Gallipolis Daily Tribune. THEY LET THE MOTHER GO!!! GALLIPOLIS — The parents of a Bidwell toddler were arraigned Monday in connection with the death of their son in October. Jason C. Jones, 26, was charged with aggravated murder for allegedly purposely causing the death of 2-year-old Trenton Jones; murder for allegedly causing his death as a result of a violent offense; and child endangerment for allegedly recklessly administering corporal punishment or other physical disciplinary measures which resulted in the toddler’s death. Jones pleaded not guilty and was placed on a $500,000 ten percent bond and an additional $1,000 ten percent secured bond. Tina Jones, 24, was charged with child endangerment for allegedly creating a substantial risk to her son by violating a duty of care, protection or support. Tina Jones was released on her own recognizance under a $15,000 bond and an additional $1,000 ten percent bond.

Posted by: Annonymous on Nov 20, 2007 at 08:11 PM
Having great respect for WSAZ's in depth reporting I would like to challenge you to tell the entire story of this child's life from birth to death. Perhaps it will give people who do not understand the failings of social services and the juvenile court system a truer understanding of the children who slip through the cracks and are only known to us when their names appear in the news as victims. I hope you will accept this responsibility and I hope in response more children will be protected from such tragedy. Please also highlight the obligation of mandated reporters and advise people who those individuals by law are. And give the national toll free number for reporting child abuse. I would specifically be interested in knowing the statistics for cases overseen by Trenton's home county's childrens services compared to the actual prosecutions for child endangerment in that county. And to know who is the legal spokesperson for children determined endangered by childrens services.

Posted by: Rhonda on Nov 20, 2007 at 06:52 PM
Pathetic!!! Both parents need the DEATH PENALTY!! You are supposed to protect your children, not KILL them! And I don't want to know WHY it was done. I'm sure it will be a lie. Save tax dollars and put these people, that don't deserve to breathe, to death immediately. (I also clicked on video to hear what happened to this poor child and I received video on MORE taxes for Charleston.)

Posted by: Penny on Nov 20, 2007 at 04:03 PM
Today I click to hear the about the parents charges in toddler's death. This is from Gallia Co. I got to listen about the user fee. Sorry but I am more interested in what happened to the child. Sorry about the goverment taking a piece of our checks but the goverement will always be around. Children need more help and attention!!!!

Posted by: cindy on Nov 20, 2007 at 10:55 AM
this is really sad. I agree with other comments, jaskson county is doing the same when it comes to protecting the children you call to report child neglect and abuse they do not follow up . we see childre every day going through some kind of neglect and it is so sad to hear about THE LAW SHOULD BE<<<<< when you kill someone how ever you do it , stab, choke, brutilise, beat to death, etc.... you should get the same punishment that you did to that person. you should not be put in prison for all of our tax money to pay for dental, any medical, for you worthless bums..thats all i have to say by the way I said a prayer for the innocent baby we know god will take care of him, no more pain and suffering... GOD BLESS You TRENTON

Posted by: reader wonders why on Nov 20, 2007 at 08:53 AM
why do we even have child services, they DO NOT do anything! you report and report and they will not even visit the kids to check to see if they are ok. what do they get paid for??!! they do NOTHING but sit at their desks and play on the computer? sit outside and take smoke breaks? what DO they do? they sure don't look out after the kids!!! it is like a joke to report someone for abuse or suspected abuse. i am from wv and my county wouldn't even check on the kids that are repeatly reported for abuse. i called charleston, guess what, they dispatched me thru to my county after i told them i had called for years and family has called for years. what a JOKE that office is.

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 20, 2007 at 08:45 AM
I am wondering if this case had Childrens services involved. My sister works for Holzer Medical Center and sees alot of these cases. She had told us of a story about a little child that was pretty much killed by the parents. I guess they were taking the child to the hospital but trying to get pain pills for themselves. What is wrong with people these days. I have a 2 1/2 year old little girl and I could never imagine this happening. I think people who kill others out of hate or because of/for drugs should be sentenced to death themselves. They took the life of this little one who could have had a good life. What a shame.

Posted by: amy on Nov 20, 2007 at 08:24 AM
I agree with you all . There are stiffer penalties for so many other small crimes but not for murdering your child. Go Figure! I will say there are so many cases a day of child neglect and and abuse that are reported to social workers. I know that it may be hard for them to cover them all. But I know ,growing up when I needed them they had done everything all wrong! The Police would come , you tell them what has happend with proof showing and all they could say was I have to send you back home! The social workers would come and ask you , has your parent beat on you, or whatever other issue was going on with the parent settign right there. They would question the other parent knowing there was nothing they would say for fear of being beaten themselves. Nothing ever got accomplished! I hope they are much more wiser now days.

Posted by: Missy on Nov 20, 2007 at 08:18 AM
It it sad to think of what this world has become. There is no excuse for child abuse I think justice needs to take a stand to let people know that this is unexcusable crime and the parents needs to pay dearly.

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 20, 2007 at 06:46 AM
It is a shame this had to happen to such a sweet little boy. It should not have had to come to this, It is no secret that these two are not parents. They need to pay for what has happened. Trenton did nothing to deserve this.The kids should have been removed long before this. It is a shame. I hope the Parents get what they deserve.

Posted by: Parent on Nov 20, 2007 at 02:39 AM
This is a sad case for all the people involved. If Gallia county Children services would have done their job this could have been prevented.THis is what happens when a coward uses the child for a punching bag. Trenton will be sadly missed,But this tradgedy could have saved his sisters life.Long history of abuse with these parents.

Posted by: ???????????? on Nov 20, 2007 at 02:07 AM
I just hope justice is served, no one has the right to harm a two year old , or any kid, they need jail time and lots of it. a slap on the wrist just is not enough in cases like this. I say prosecute to the fullest. That innocent little boy's life was cut short, through no fault of his own. Now the parents should pay for their actions. THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR CHILD ABUSE.

Posted by: anonymous on Nov 19, 2007 at 08:13 PM
what is wrong with people?!?!? HOW could people do anything that would lead to a child getting killed? i've heard of so many people pleading insanity when it comes to this. well, ok, if you're insane enough to kill a child then you need locked up for the rest of your life anyways. i'm just tired of hearing excuses when it comes to WHY people kill children... honestly who cares WHY... no matter what the reasoning is... its WRONG.

Posted by: anonymous on Nov 19, 2007 at 07:52 PM
It's funny how things work out, we ask for the death penalty for a man that beats his girlfriend but for parents that kill their own child we only want them put away for life and then ask why.

Posted by: FormerGalliaResident on Nov 19, 2007 at 06:21 PM
The couple has another child so where is she now? Has she been with the parents this whole time? Why did it take so long to arrest them? This is the second murder of a child in Gallia county in the same month. People in the public want to know could you please find out??? Was the Sheriff's office to busy with the murder of Noah Mandeville that they had to put this one on hold or what? Is the Sheriff's office not capable of handling this much? Are they afraid to ask for help? I really hope you can find answers to these questions. Also, are there no follow ups on Noah Mandeville that you could tell us about?

Posted by: Tammy on Nov 19, 2007 at 04:25 PM
This is just horrible. how could anyone hurt a child?

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 19, 2007 at 03:59 PM
If we would stop letting these people away with killing their kids.This would stop happening.Put these people away for life and others will think before they have kids and kill them.

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