Previous 2020 Campaign Link: https://givebutter.com/yQV5Q1

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UPDATE 03/19/2024

We wanted to update the community that Malika’s appeal has been submitted! This was graciously done by her lawyer while we continue to raise funds so that we would not miss the deadline. Thank you so much to everyone for your prayers and donations. Thank you for not forgetting about Malika. She has been informed of your donations and messages, and she is so grateful for you all.

While we await the outcome of the appeal, please continue to share this campaign!

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ORIGINAL POST 3/09/2024

We are again reaching out to the communities of Malika Jones, a beloved sister, daughter, friend, niece, and former student of Barnard College. We are again at a very urgent and critical point in her case. Your contribution will help our baby to regain her freedom after our criminal justice system has failed to do so.

For those who do not know Malika’s story: Today Malika is a twenty-six year old Black woman. She was (and is) an incredibly kind, creative, quiet, funny, and nurturing individual. However, behind her kindness, what many of us did not know was that she was experiencing years of physical and emotional abuse at home.

On Sunday, February 16th, 2020, her life and many of our lives changed forever. During a dispute, her mother, Inell Jones, had an emotional break and charged at Malika with a knife with the hopes to kill her. After a struggle and attempting to disarm her mother, Inell was fatally wounded. Although Malika called 911 and hysterically begged for help, she was immediately put into handcuffs without question, imprisoned, and charged with her mother’s murder. Malika was twenty-two years old. We continue to mourn the loss of Inell's life and the unspeakable tragedy of neither woman being able to access the help needed to prevent this day.

After her arrest, the #Justice4Malika movement emerged. As a result, on March 4th, 2020, Malika’s hearing took place with a full house of supporters. Thirty-nine heartfelt character letters were submitted to Judge Lara Difabrizio, penned by professors, family members, employers, and friends. Because of the power of her community and her bearing no criminal history, Malika was granted permission to await her trial on house arrest. This wait took three years.

After her trial in November 2023, Malika was found NOT guilty of murder by a jury. Instead, she was found guilty of aggravated manslaughter due to circumstantial evidence— with claims that she, due to her height, was likely the aggressor and should have simply walked away from the incident. The jury struggled to see how a young dark-skinned Black woman could be a victim in a violent attack. Malika was again put into hand-cuffs and has been in jail on a ten year sentence.

THE DEADLINE TO APPEAL THIS DECISION IS VERY SOON. We have launched this campaign to support Malika's legal fees from the trial and to fund this important appeal. Her lawyer is optimistic that this appeal, given the lack of evidence, will lead to Malika's freedom and finally allow her an opportunity to heal and begin her life.

Please consider donating so that we can bring our baby home. We ask that anyone who has been touched by Malika or resonates with her story to please support however you can. We understand the world is a lot different now than four years ago due to COVID. Whatever you are able to contribute will make a difference. If you can not donate, please share this campaign.

We thank you for your support and for everyone who has continued to join us in this long, painful fight. We love y’all and thank y’all so much.

Best,

Malika’s Family and Friends

2024 Justice4Malika Appeal Campaign