NOTE: This campaign was previously housed on another platform. However, that campaign was abruptly removed by the platform and our account was deleted. All donations were refunded. We have been informed that that platform does not support fundraising of legal aid for those accused of violent crimes, even if the accused may be innocent. Although this policy may have been made in good faith, we believe this policy negatively impacts marginalized individuals who may be falsely accused of crimes in a society that assumes their guilt. While this has shocked and saddened us, we will continue on. We appreciate everyone who has made efforts to support us.

UPDATE (07/23/2021): Hi everyone! We hope you all are mentally and spiritually safe at this time. We want to thank you all again for your contributions to #Justice4Malika. So many of you have reached out with requests to know more about Malika. At this time, we can confirm that she is safe but would like for us to respect her privacy. Due to COVID, the journey of this case has slowed down tremendously. That being said, for full transparency, Malika's family has withdrawn the funds raised by this campaign. While things are moving slowly, they are still moving forward. Thank you all!!!

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UPDATE (03/23/2020): We are incredibly thankful to announce that Malika has just been released! Due to the amount of community support, the defense of her incredible lawyers, and her outstanding record, she has been granted permission to remain home with her family for the remainder of her trial. Thank you to everyone who wrote letters, attended her hearing, and donated to make this decision possible. The fight is not over, but we are happy to have her home safe until justice is found.

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ORIGINAL POST:

We would like to take this time to reach out to our communities in support of our beloved Malika Jones, a student of Barnard College of Columbia University.

On Sunday, February 16th, 2020, Malika’s and many of our lives changed forever. On this day, Malika’s mother, Inell Jones, charged at her with a knife during a dispute. For their protection, Malika tried to remove the knife from her mother’s hand. The two collided and Inell was fatally stabbed. Today, Malika sits in jail under a charge for her mother’s murder. She is currently in detention as she awaits her trial. This event has birthed two tragedies from which we must work to process and heal from.

Malika Jones is more than a headline. She is a beloved friend, sister, and daughter. She studies medicine and theatre. She loves make-up. She was early-decision accepted into Barnard College. She is kind, hardworking, humorous, and thoughtful. She is a light for many.

At her recent hearing on March 4th, 2020, her lawyers submitted thirty-nine letters to Judge Lara Difabrizio that her community members drafted voluntarily. In these letters, written by professors, family members, employers, and fellow students, they all echoed the same sentiment: Malika Jones is love. She has been a model citizen and model friend all of her life. And this event could not have occurred outside of the realm of tragedy.

Our hope is for Malika to receive fair trial, both in the court and in the public opinion. We do believe during her trial, her innocence will ring true.

We ask that anyone who has been touched by Malika or resonates with her story to please support her family and friends through our campaign. Your contributions will go towards ensuring Malika continues to receive fair and proper legal representation as we continue to fight for her justice.

We appreciate everyone who has extended prayers, kindness, and assistance during this difficult time. While we could not have foreseen this tragedy, we have been blessed to know that we are not alone in this. Thank you.

Best,

Malika’s Family and Friends

Justice4Malika Legal Fees & Support Campaign