NAU Murder Suspect Steven Jones Pleads Guilty To Manslaugther And Three Aggravated Assault Charges

The ongoing saga related to the Steven Jones case is almost over. Jones appeared in Coconino County Superior Court Thursday and pleaded guilty to one count of manslaughter and three counts of aggravated assault. Jones faces a maximum of ten years in prison. Coconino County Attorney Bill Ring said in a statement “the function of our job is to do justice. This plea is a meaningful step in that direction.” Jones had been charged with first degree murder in the death of Collin Brough, along with the aggravated assault charges, in connection with the October 9th, 2015 shooting on NAU’s north campus. The charge was then amended to second-degree murder last month. Jones admitted to shooting the four, but claims it was in self-defense. Also shot were NAU students Nick Piring, Kyle Zientek and Nick Prato. The last trial ended in a hung jury back in April of 2016. The new trial was supposed to start on Tuesday. Jones also will have to pay up to $100-thousand dollars to each victim and Brough’s family. Sentencing for Jones will take place on Tuesday, February 11th at 9 a.m. at the Coconino County Courthouse in downtown Flagstaff.