July 28, 2025 | By: Tristan Larrabee

This story is part of a collaborative project between Project: Cold Case and the University of North Florida’s Applied Journalism class.

From a young age, Tushon ‘Tu’ Jones knew his passion in life was creating and producing music, like his inspirations Jay-Z and Lil Wayne. “He always dreamed of signing to a major record label one day,” said his sister, Titeyana Jones.

However, Tushon would never get the chance to fully realize his dreams. Over nine years ago, Tushon was found murdered in his New Jersey home. The case remains unsolved.

Tushon grew up in Orange, a small township in New Jersey, where most people know each other. When he wasn’t watching Martin on Fox or making prank calls with his brother Kareem, Tushon was spending time with his father or sister Titeyana.

Tushon valued nothing more than family. “He loved his parents,” said Titeyana. “He supported them however he could, whether it be bringing in the groceries or helping them build something in the backyard.” Tushon’s father would eventually become his biggest role model, teaching him to distinguish right from wrong.

Tushon shared an unbreakable bond with his sister Titeyana. As they grew older and closer, Titeyana began to see Tushon as her own role model. “We were so close, people used to believe I was his daughter,” said Titeyana. “There is nothing I could’ve needed or wanted that I couldn’t have gone to my brother for.” Tushon and Titeyana remained close until the day he died. Tushon even named his niece.

Standing 5-foot-5, with dark skin and a confident charm, Tushon knew how to present himself, from his hair down to the shoes on his feet. Tushon was always well-dressed.

Tushon was extremely personable and maintained many unique hobbies. Tushon enjoyed music and being innovative, and surrounded himself with family. He also owned several pets during his life. “Birds, piranhas, bearded dragons, snakes, a pitbull… Tushon loved his animals,” said Titeyana. Developing a creative mindset at a young age would eventually foster Tushon’s passion for creating music, something he would pursue as a career.

For a while, Tushon lived in Pennsylvania, running a small recording studio out of a shed with a few of his friends. An avid entrepreneur, Tushon never gave up. By the time of his death, he had begun to establish himself as a rapper and producer, owning two studios and operating under his own music label. After garnering enough of a reputation, he even had the opportunity to work with a few celebrity clients.

After growing up to become a husband and a father, Tushon dedicated his love and respect to his wife and three children. Besides being the protector of his family, a value inherited from his father, Tushon was also a great teacher. Whether it be reading and writing or teaching his son how to ride a bike, he was always trying to pass on some of his knowledge. “One of the last things I remember him doing was teaching his son how to use his recording studio,” Titeyana said. When Tushon wasn’t with his kids, he was treating his wife to fancy date nights in New York.

On the morning of February 28, 2016, Tushon’s life came to a tragic end. Tushon’s teenage daughter had just returned to their East Orange home from the mall. From where she was standing in the laundry room, she saw only her father’s jacket resting on a nearby chair and a glimpse of him through the open hallway door. Entering the hallway, she found her father lying motionless on the ground. He had been shot multiple times and was pronounced dead at the scene.

It had just been an ordinary Sunday. There was no evidence, no clues as to who had done it. Tushon was a very caring and well-loved individual.

Tushon’s death hit the Joneses hard, and coping has been an immense struggle for Titeyana and the family. “After his death, I became increasingly distant, losing trust in everyone,” said Titeyana. “The funeral was incredibly hard. I remember being terrified, and when I saw him in the casket I broke into pieces.”

Not a day goes by that Tushon isn’t remembered. Every year on the anniversary of his death, the Jones family takes time aside to remember him. Family close to Rosedale Rosehill Cemetery in New Jersey, where Tushon is interred, will take time off to visit his grave and speak to him.

For Titeyana, February 28 is a day of silent reflection. No outside contact, no phone calls, no texts. She’ll spend the day in solitude and release balloons to commemorate her brother’s death.

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Anyone with information on the unsolved homicide of Tushon Jones is asked to contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office at (973) 621-4586. To remain anonymous and possibly be eligible for a reward, call Crime Stoppers at (877) NWK-TIPS.

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