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Prosecutors explain refusal to file charges against Buffalo Bills receiver Zay Jones

DJ Dunson

Friday was the conclusion of a dramatic week for rookie Buffalo Bills receiver Zay Jones. On Monday night, Jones, 22, was captured on a surveillance video stomping, strutting nakedly through the 30th floor hallway of an L.A.-area apartment building while his brother attempted to calm him down. When authorities arrived they also found a broken window he allegedly kicked in.

In the video, Jones could be heard screaming that he wanted to “fight for Jesus,” and reportedly, Zay’s brother Cayleb, also had to restrain him from attempting to jumping out of a window. The bizarre scene featured a belligerent Jones, smearing blood on the walls and around 11:40 p.m. Jones was arrested on suspicion of felony vandalism.

No official explanation has been given for Jones’ behavior that night, but he still has a lot of explaining to do for his employers. The Bills and the NFL are currently reviewing the incident, however, he may have caught a break on the legal front when the L.A. County District Attorney’s office declined to file charges.

(AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes, File)

On Friday, the District Attorney’s office expounded on their decision in a report. According to a charge evaluation sheet, the lack of sufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Jones acted “with malice,” played a part in prosecutors’ reluctance.

Jones decision to assume financial responsibility for the $20,000 in damages also convinced the building’s representatives to decline pressing charges.

Per The Buffalo News:

“Without victim cooperation,” the report stated, referring to the building owner, the amount of loss cannot be determined.

In addition to not having a cooperative victim and lack of proof establishing the monetary amount of damages, the report stated, California law requires “malice,” the intent to do a wrongful act with intent to annoy or injure someone else.

Jones caught 27 passes for 316 yards and two touchdowns last season after being selected in the second round of the NFL Draft by the Bills. Jones’ father, Robert, reassured the public through social media that his son was okay on Wednesday, stating that Jones was “with me and his mom,” and added that “he’s going to be fine!”

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DJ Dunson is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at dunsnchecksin@yahoo.com or find him on Twitter or Facebook.

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