In November 2024, 15-year-old Jaylen Reeves was brutally stabbed multiple times in the back and once in the front during a brief altercation with another group of teens. This act of violence has left his family devastated and our community deeply shaken. After a 6.5-month investigation, a team of experienced detectives recommended that second-degree murder charges be brought forward.

Yet, despite that recommendation, the Maricopa County Attorney's Office, under the leadership of Rachel Mitchell, declined to pursue those charges, effectively denying our family the opportunity to have this case heard before a jury.

Further compounding these concerns is the appearance of a potential conflict of interest. A parent of the individual responsible for Jaylen’s death is a high-level executive at Axon—a company that conducts substantial business with the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.

While we do not assert conclusions, this intersection raises serious questions that warrant independent review.

Jaylen was stabbed over and over again—multiple times in the back. Forensic criminologists call this kind of extreme violence “overkill.” The brutality of this act, along with the extensive findings detailed in the 302-page incident report and additional disturbing post-incident behavior by the killer, raises urgent and serious questions. These are not questions that should be decided behind closed doors. Whether this was self-defense or murder must be determined in a court of law, where a jury of peers can hear the evidence and deliver a just and transparent decision.

Allowing a homicide involving a minor to go uncharged also raises serious concerns for public trust. When accountability is denied, it sends a dangerous message that some lives are disposable and that lethal violence may go unchecked. Allowing a case of this magnitude to be closed without judicial review sends a troubling message to Arizona families.

We’re asking Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes to assign a special prosecutor to Jaylen’s case. The evidence demands to be heard by a jury, and the best way to accomplish this is with AG Mayes’ assistance.

Ask AG Mayes to assign a special prosecutor using the following contact methods:

• Contact Form: https://www.azag.gov/contact-us
• Email: AGInfo@azag.gov
• Phone: (602) 542-5025
• X: https://x.com/krismayes
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AZAGMayes/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/azagmayes/
• Mail: 2005 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004-2926

We are not asking for a predetermined outcome—we are asking for a fair and just process. Jaylen Reeves was a child. His life mattered. Our community deserves confidence that violence against children will be addressed with seriousness, and assurance that justice is applied fairly, consistently, and without exception.

For updates on the case, please follow us on social media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justiceforjaylenreeves/

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#JusticeForJaylenReeves