Criminal Charges Against Youth Villages Staff Dropped - Articles

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Posted by: Julia Wilburn on May 13, 2025

Criminal charges against four Youth Villages staffers in the 2023 death of 17-year-old Alegend Jones have been dropped following an agreement between the facility and Jones’ family. The staffers had been indicted for facilitation of aggravated child abuse and reckless homicide, but the indictments were rescinded after prosecutors decided not to pursue the case. An autopsy suggested Jones died from complications of a physical restraint, but due to unclear video footage and inconclusive findings, the manner of death was ruled “undetermined.” The Daily Memphian reports that as part of the resolution, Youth Villages will undergo a review by independent experts to assess and improve safety protocols.