Parents of slain former Woodland Hills football player speak out for first time

Eight months after a former Woodland Hills football player was shot and killed in Wilkins Township, no arrests have been made.

RELATED: Former Woodland Hills football star shot to death in Wilkins Township

For the first time, Jeremiah Jones' parents are talking about how they’re turning their tragedy into opportunity for other young people.

"First football game I did since Jeremiah, we bring the captains out and I introduce myself. And the first kid that introduces himself to me, his name is Jeremiah. And I say, 'You know, that's not a coincidence,'” said Paul Jones, Jeremiah’s Jones' father.

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The past eight months have been anything but easy for Paul Jones and Jenifer Jones.

In July 2017, the couple’s 19-year-old son, Jeremiah Jones, was shot multiple times and left along Lougay Road, where he died.

No arrest has been made in the murder.

"Tragedy does not have to be tragic. You can end up victorious,” said Jenifer Jones.

As the one-year anniversary of the murder approaches, the Jones family is turning their tragedy into opportunity for other young people. They're creating a scholarship in Jeremiah Jones' memory that will be awarded to two high school student-athletes looking to further their education.

"In doing this work, it's like I can feel and hear Jeremiah being very proud of the work that we're doing and saying, you know. That's what I expect,” Paul Jones said.

As this family moves on, it will continue to cherish memories and look forward to giving other children a chance to fulfill their dreams.

A benefit basketball game versus the Steelers Footballers basketball team will be held at Sto Rox High School in McKees Rocks on March 9 beginning at 8 p.m. Doors will open at 7:15 p.m. Tickets are $7 and can be purchased in advance using the Cash App handle $Defiant6 and at the door.

Another event has been scheduled for April at Woodland Hills High School.

Cox Media Group