HACIENDA HEIGHTS—The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed that the body of a young girl that was discovered near a hiking trail on Tuesday, March 5 has been identified as Trinity Love Jones. Jones’ body was dumped less than 48 hours prior to discovery by a parker worker.
A family came forward to identify the victim which was confirmed by medical examiners. Jones is from Los Angeles County and was 9 years old. Her death has been ruled a homicide. The exact cause of death is being withheld from the public.
Authorities have arrested Emiel Lamar Hunt, 38, for the murder of Jones. During the early morning hours on Saturday, March 9, investigators located Hunt sleeping in his car, which was parked in a lot near San Diego International Airport. He was arrested without incident and booked at Norwalk Sheriff’s Station. He is reportedly the boyfriend of Trinity Love’s mother and was recently a resident of Los Angeles County.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, Trinity’s Love’s mother, Taquesta Graham, 28, is also expected to be charged in connection with the murder on Wednesday, March 20th.
On Monday, March 11, investigators submitted their case for review by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office – Pomona Court. On Tuesday, March 12, one count of murder with a $2,000,000 bail was filed on Emiel Lamar Hunt for the murder of Trinity Love Jones. Hunt was scheduled to be arraigned later in the afternoon.
The family put together a memorial for Trinity near the area where her body was discovered. The memorial is covered in balloons, candles, toys and comforting messages like “Rest In Heaven Our Trinity Love Jones.”
The victim’s father, Antonio Jones, came forward to talk on behalf of his daughter, remembering her as “bubbly, loving and fun.” He stated she had a “big heart” and that she “could’ve have been whatever she wanted in life.”
Authorities have not revealed the motive for the murder or the cause of death.
Anyone with information on the death of Trinity Love Jones to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. Anonymous information can be provided through Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS.
