Jones Convicted of Capital Murder for Boy’s Arson Death

**New Caney Man Sentenced to Life Without Parole for Capital Murder of 9-Year-Old Boy**

**CONROE, TX** – A Montgomery County jury convicted Blake Ryan Jones, 27, of capital murder on September 27, 2017, for the brutal death of 9-year-old Jesus Castillo Jr. The jury’s deliberation extended late into the night before returning the guilty verdict, which carried a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The horrific crime unfolded in the early morning hours of March 31, 2017, at the family’s home located in the 20000 block of Country Road 426 in New Caney. Jones, who was the live-in boyfriend of Jesus’s mother, was found guilty of sexually assaulting the young boy sometime late on March 30th or very early on March 31st. To destroy evidence of the assault, Jones then deliberately set Jesus and his bed on fire.

Jesus’s mother discovered the burning room and bravely attempted to rescue her son. Despite her efforts, Jesus sustained severe thermal burns and later succumbed to his injuries.

Authorities arrested Jones on April 5, 2017, following an intense investigation.

During the trial in the 221st state District Court, presided over by Judge Lisa Michalk, Assistant District Attorneys Michael Groothuis and Julie Faubel presented compelling evidence against Jones. Prosecutors demonstrated that Jones’s DNA was found on the victim, a critical piece of forensic evidence. Furthermore, investigators found evidence of an accelerant, such as gasoline, used to ignite the fire, along with distinct burn patterns indicative of an intentional act rather than an accidental blaze.

Security footage from the residence also played a significant role, showing Jones leaving and returning to the home around the time the fire erupted. His statements to law enforcement after the incident were noted for their inconsistencies, further implicating him in the heinous crime.

The conviction brings a measure of justice for the tragic loss of Jesus Castillo Jr., a case that deeply affected the New Caney community and Montgomery County at large. Jones will spend the rest of his life in prison.