Detective: Teen’s death tied to gang rivalry

An Anne Arundel County detective says the death of a 14-year-old Crofton boy last month has been linked to gang rivalry and the boy most likely suffered a fatal blow from his attackers.

Detective Kelly Harding testified Wednesday at a preliminary hearing for 16-year-old Javel George, who is charged with manslaughter in the death of Christopher Jones.

Harding said six people who were members or associates of one gang confronted Jones, who was associated with members of a rival gang, after hearing he had said something negative about members of their gang. She says George and a 14-year-old boy charged as a juvenile hit Jones on the head.

George’s attorney says the charges are “a case of mistaken identity” or the result of playful fighting between friends.