A $1 million bond has been set for a South Jones High School student accused of strangling his classmate, as Jones County District Attorney Brad Thompson confirmed Tuesday that the 16-year-old suspect will be tried as an adult.
During his appearance in Jones County Youth Court, District Attorney Brad Thompson announced the bond for Anthony Jackson, 16. Thompson noted that the court heard multiple testimonies and reviewed body camera footage during the proceedings.
Thompson also confirmed that Jackson — a freshman running back on the Braves’ football team — faces a first-degree murder charge. Due to state regulations prohibiting minors from being housed in adult facilities, Jackson will not be held at the Jones County Jail.
Thompson described the case as both heartbreaking and deeply difficult.
“Two families have been ruined. This is just absolutely horrific. It’s very unfortunate, and I would ask everyone to pray for these families, both families,” Thompson said.
“This has been a very trying week and a half, two weeks. A ton of support for both families, and just continue to pray for not only our community. Just a bad deal.”
Thompson said the matter will be forwarded to his office and then presented to a grand jury once results from the state crime lab and autopsy reports are finalized.
According to Thompson, Jackson stands accused of strangling 16-year-old Valiente Alba of Ellisville in a pond near the Texaco gas station at 392 State Route 590 in Ellisville on Monday, May 18. Law enforcement sources close to the case told WDAM 7 that authorities arrested Jackson and charged him with manslaughter shortly after the incident occurred. Ellisville Police Investigator Kyle Pickett confirmed that Jackson and Alba were classmates at South Jones High School.
WDAM 7 also spoke with a witness who provided details about what unfolded at the gas station. Thompson reiterated that Jackson will not be held at the Jones County Adult Detention Center, as the facility is not equipped to house a minor. The case, he added, remains under active investigation.
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