Chihean Jones, also known as "Cha," was sentenced on Mar. 24 to life in prison for the murder of a gas station attendant during an armed robbery, according to United States Attorney David Metcalf. United States District Judge Kelley Brisbon Hodge handed down the sentence in Philadelphia, which includes two concurrent 20-year sentences for separate commercial robberies.
The case highlights a violent crime that resulted in the loss of life and underscores ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address such offenses.
Jones was charged by a second superseding indictment in January 2024 with two counts of Hobbs Act robbery, murder while using and carrying a firearm, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. A federal jury found him guilty on all counts in November of last year.
Court records show that on August 22, 2022, Jones drove two men to rob a cell phone store on East Olney Avenue. Later, on January 17, 2023, he participated with his girlfriend and two other men in planning and executing an armed robbery at a gas station on Torresdale Avenue. During this incident, after failed attempts to lure the attendant outside or force entry into the register area, Jones entered the store and shot the unarmed attendant as he tried to flee. The group then stole from the victim as he lay dying.
"The defendant shot an unarmed man in the back because it was easier than chasing after him," said U.S. Attorney Metcalf. "He and his crew then pawed through the victim’s pockets, as he lay dying. In the face of such senseless violence and casual cruelty, this life sentence is richly deserved. We are all safer with Chihean Jones behind bars." Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Philadelphia Field Division said: "Chihean Jones committed a horrific and cowardly act when he shot and killed an innocent victim simply trying to make a living...the ATF Philadelphia Field Division will continue to work tirelessly to ensure justice for victims and make our communities safer from dangerous criminals like Jones."
The investigation involved both local police officers from Philadelphia Police Department and federal agents from Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
