DOTHAN, Ala. — A man who pleaded guilty to charges in connection with a fatal car crash that claimed the lives of two people in March 2023 was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Tuesday.
Leon Aubrey Jones Jr., 32, was sentenced by a Houston County judge to serve two concurrent 20-year sentences for manslaughter. In addition to his prison term, Jones was ordered to pay a $2,000 fine in each case, as well as a $500 contribution to the victim’s compensation fund.
The crash occurred on March 15, 2023, when Jones, driving over the speed limit, collided with the vehicle of 30-year-old Derek Blessing. Blessing and his aunt, 50-year-old Aubrey Jenkins, were both killed in the crash after their vehicle overturned and caught fire. Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
An emotional statement was made in court by Anita Blessing, the mother of Derek and sister of Aubrey, who shared the immense pain the family had endured since the loss of their loved ones. “They didn’t leave us a choice of a viewing or a funeral; he took away that choice,” Blessing said. “They got a death sentence, so the district attorney should give him a lifetime sentence.”
During his court appearance, Jones expressed deep remorse for his actions, telling the court, “I would give my life to replace theirs. I can’t go back and change these choices, but I have to live with it.”
Jones’ defense attorneys highlighted his personal struggles, including a history of mental health challenges and alcohol abuse. Christopher Eaton, a representative from the Department of Veteran Affairs, testified that Jones had been flagged as a high risk for suicide. Jones had served in the U.S. Army as a Blackhawk mechanic, though he did not see combat. His attorney, Adam Parker, also emphasized the difficulties Jones had faced, including his ongoing battles with mental health and the effect his incarceration would have on his two children, who are homeschooled and have special needs.
A friend of Jones, Oliver Beinlich, a fellow veteran, spoke on his behalf, underscoring the toll Jones’ actions had taken on his life. Beinlich noted Jones’ personal struggles, including a reported suicide attempt that led to hospitalization.
Despite these mitigating factors, the prosecution, represented by Seth Brooks, argued that Jones must still face the consequences of his actions. “There’s still a price to be paid in the case,” Brooks said.
Jones had originally pleaded not guilty to two manslaughter charges in 2023 but changed his plea to guilty in October 2024. As part of a plea deal, the charge of driving under the influence (DUI) was dropped.
Judge Todd Derrick, who presided over the case, will soon decide whether Jones will be granted a split sentence. The defense has requested that Jones be sentenced to five years in prison, with the remainder of his sentence served on probation. A separate hearing to determine this will be scheduled in the coming weeks.
Jones has 42 days to file an appeal against his sentence.
