Actor Isaiah Stokes Sentenced to 25 Years to Life for Murder
Isaiah Stokes, known for his role in “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” has been given a sentence of 25 years to life in prison for the fatal shooting of Tyrone Jones in 2021.
Details of the Crime
Jones, 37, was murdered on February 7, 2021, in St Albans, Queens, New York. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the head and chest and was pronounced dead at the scene. Stokes, 45, was apprehended five months later. The crime followed a period of stalking, with evidence indicating Stokes pursued Jones for four months after an earlier dispute at Jones’ birthday celebration.
Guilty Verdict and Sentencing
Following a two-week trial, Stokes was convicted on March 13 of second-degree murder and two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. His sentence was formally delivered on Friday, March 21.
Courtroom Reactions and Judge’s Scolding
Stokes appeared downcast as the sentence was announced, while family members of Jones reportedly applauded. Judge Kenneth Holder criticized Stokes for his repeated motions and interruptions during the sentencing hearing.
Reports indicate Judge Holder addressed Stokes directly, stating, “I don’t care if you maintain your innocence, you are more guilty than anyone I’ve seen in this courtroom!” He dismissed Stokes’ apparent belief that prolonged jail time would benefit his acting career.
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Judge Holder added, “No one can intentionally plan a murder and carry it out as stupidly as you did… You hunted down Jones and shot him 11 times and ensured he would die.” He highlighted the self-destructive nature of Stokes’ actions.
Defendant’s Demeanor and Legal Arguments
Prior to sentencing, an exchange took place between Stokes and Judge Holder regarding earlier motions in the case. Stokes claimed he had “never received” all discovery files. Judge Holder firmly redirected Stokes, emphasizing that the time for motions had passed and urged him to focus on factors that might warrant leniency during sentencing. He stated to Stokes, “You were convicted so you need to talk to me about why I should have some mercy on you… We’re past that, you’re not a lawyer and frankly you don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Victim Impact Statement
Tyrone Jones Sr., the victim’s father, delivered an emotional victim impact statement, condemning Stokes as a “monster” for the “stalking and murdering” of his son. He described his son as “fun, loving” and expressed the profound loss his family has endured.
He poignantly stated, “Isaiah, you stalked my son, you followed TJ for weeks, but TJ… What did TJ do to you? … You lied to everyone! I gotta go to the cemetery to talk to my son in a grave.”
Background on the Case
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz previously stated that the murder was “calculated,” stemming from Stokes’ anger at being removed from a birthday party in 2020 due to alleged inappropriate behavior.
According to the District Attorney, Stokes allegedly placed a GPS tracker on Jones’ vehicle and stalked him before shooting him multiple times. Katz affirmed her office’s commitment to prosecuting gun violence, stating, “Justice has now been served for the premeditated murder perpetrated by this defendant.”
Isaiah Stokes’ Acting Career
Stokes’ acting credits include an appearance in a 2009 episode of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.” He has also held roles in “Rescue Me,” “Boardwalk Empire,” and “Power,” alongside appearances in Louis C.K.’s series “Louie.”