Bowling Green, Kentucky, October 2, 2025
News Summary
The murder trial of Malik Jones, who is accused of killing Ayanna Morgan in July, continued with key testimonies focused on self-defense claims. Jones testified that he feared for his life when Morgan allegedly approached him with a weapon. Prosecution asserts Jones is guilty, while the defense counters with claims of self-defense. With 14 jurors selected, closing arguments are set for tomorrow morning.
Bowling Green, Kentucky – The murder trial of Malik Jones, accused of shooting and killing Ayanna Morgan in July 2023, continued for its second day on Wednesday, as critical testimony focused on whether Jones acted in self-defense or is guilty of murder. A total of 14 jurors, comprising 8 men and 6 women, were selected to determine the outcome of the case.
The prosecution maintains that Jones is responsible for Morgan’s death and arrested nearly three months later in Michigan. In support of their case, Detective Ryan Dillion of the Bowling Green Police Department provided testimony regarding the investigation into the incident.
At the heart of the proceedings is the defense’s assertion that Jones acted out of necessity in self-defense when he claims Morgan chased him with a gun. Upon presenting its case, the defense requested a direct verdict in favor of Jones, but this motion was opposed by the prosecution. The state raised concerns regarding Jones’s status as a convicted felon, highlighting video evidence of him possessing a handgun during the incident, as well as questioning whether his actions were justified under the circumstances.
Judge John Grise ultimately denied the defense’s motion for a direct verdict. To further bolster their argument, the defense called five witnesses, including Jones himself, all of whom testified that he feared for his life during the confrontation with Morgan.
During his testimony, Jones recounted events leading up to the incident, explaining that after a verbal altercation, Morgan approached him wielding a gun, prompting him to warn her not to come closer. According to Jones, he struck Morgan multiple times in self-defense while attempting to escape the scene, which led to a struggle for the firearm.
The prosecution further questioned Jones about his role in initiating communication with Morgan. Jones conceded that he had contacted her after spotting her on her balcony. The jury also sought clarification regarding Jones’s reaction in a video recording when Morgan drew the gun and whether he was already aware she was armed at that time. Additionally, they inquired about Jones’s state of sobriety during the event.
Jones acknowledged that he had consumed a couple of shots of alcohol a few hours before the incident, yet he insisted that his evasive reaction in the video was meant to protect himself from being shot.
As the day’s testimonies concluded, the defense again moved for a direct verdict, which the judge denied once more. Closing arguments for the trial are scheduled to occur tomorrow morning at 9 a.m., at which point the jury will begin deliberating on the case.
Key Events in the Trial
- Trial commenced with 14 jurors selected.
- Prosecution alleges Jones is guilty of murder.
- Defense claims Jones acted in self-defense.
- Jones testified about fearing for his life.
- Closing arguments set for tomorrow at 9 a.m.
Trial Significance
This trial carries significant weight as it centers on issues of self-defense, gun violence, and the legal implications of such a defense, particularly for individuals with prior felony convictions. The outcome may have broader implications for similar cases in the future.
Trial Timeline Chart
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Incident Occurred | July 2023 |
| Arrest of Malik Jones | Three months later in Michigan |
| Trial Commencement | Day 1 |
| Trial Continuation | Second Day |
| Closing Arguments | Tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Trial Set for Suspects in WKU Student’s Death
Tragic Incident in Bowling Green: WKU Student’s Life Cut Short
Additional Resources
- WBKO: Day 2 Ayanna Morgan Trial
- Spectrum News: Crystal Rogers Trial
- WDRB: Crystal Rogers Murder Verdict
- WHAS11: Crystal Rogers Case Updates
- LEX18: Upcoming Trial for Suspect
- Wikipedia: Self-defense
- Google Search: Ayanna Morgan murder trial
- Google Scholar: Gun violence law
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Self-defense
- Google News: Ayanna Morgan trial
Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER
The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
