Police arrest 2 of 3 suspects after man murdered in Mooresville park

MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Police have identified three suspects and arrested two of them in connection to a man’s murder at a Mooresville park.

Warrants have been issued for the third suspect, a 16-year-old, who is still wanted for their connection to the crime.

Officers responded around 1 a.m. Thursday to Magla Park, off Selma Drive just south of Highway 150, where they found Jacob Dean Koury, 23, of Cornelius.

Persons of interest seen on surveillance video in connection with a homicide at Magla Park in Mooresville

Later Thursday afternoon, police released video footage of two people who were considered to be persons of interest.

Channel 9 crews could see crime scene tape roping off a large portion of the park, with dozens of officers spread out on the property.

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“We appreciate the community’s support and are diligently investigating all leads based on information provided,” said Assistant Chief Frank Falzone. “We have made progress with the investigation but seek more information.”

Police were there all night looking for evidence.

Left to right: Jessica Nichols, James Jones Jr. (Mooresville Police Department)

Channel 9 could see police towing away a silver Toyota pickup truck from the park.

On Friday, police arrested Jessica Nichols, 18, and on Monday they arrested James Jones, Jr., 34. Both were charged with first-degree murder and robbery with a dangerous weapon.

Nichols and Jones are in the Iredell County Detention Center under no bonds.

Mooresville homicide Police were investigating a homicide at Magla Park in Mooresville on Thursday, August 12, 2021. (mattn/WSOC)

“Detectives worked tirelessly during the investigation and were assisted by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations, Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Marshal Service,” said Mooresville Assistant Chief Robert Dyson. “The assistance of these organizations, along with information received from the community, aided in quickly solving this crime.”

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact CrimeStoppers at (704) 658-9056 or call the MPD non-emergency line at (704) 664-3311.

Check back with wsoctv.com for updates on this story.

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