Full Breakdown
Sentencing in University of Arizona Drive-By Shooting Highlights Ongoing Legal Process
6/3/2026, 11:12:16 PM
Overview of Sentencing
Recent public court proceedings resulted in sentences for two of the four defendants in a drive-by shooting that killed University of Arizona student Erin Jones. Tevion Beale, 17 at the time, received a 12-year term, credited with roughly two years already served. Marcus Williams was sentenced to 14 years after pleading guilty. Both men pleaded guilty, avoiding a trial. The remaining two defendants await trial later this summer.
Background of the Shooting
The attack occurred when teenagers fired more than 80 rounds from a moving vehicle at a crowded house party on 5th Street near the university. Four people were hit; Erin Jones died, and three survived. Tucson Police classified the incident as a drive-by shooting, prompting an investigation and subsequent prosecutions. The case remained open for over two years before the sentences were handed down.
Key Individuals
Erin Jones, the 20-year-old victim; her mother Renata Long, who testified at sentencing; Tevion Beale, the 17-year-old shooter; Marcus Williams, the co-defendant; and Tucson Judge Casey McGinley, who presided over the case.
Official Statements & Responses
Judge McGinley sentenced Beale to 12 years, crediting the roughly two years he had already served, and sentenced Williams to 14 years after his guilty plea. The sentencing of Williams was announced in April. Also, University officials expressed condolences but issued no formal statement in the source material.
Criticism & Opposition
Community members have called for stricter enforcement of gun laws and increased safety measures around student housing.
On-the-Ground Reports
During the hearing, Renata Long recounted the ongoing grief, noting Erin would have graduated in May with a business administration degree. She said the family faced another Mother’s Day without Erin. Beale expressed remorse and apologized to the family, saying he hopes they find peace.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The source does not provide details on the identities or charges of the two defendants who have not yet entered plea deals, nor does it disclose the specific weapons used. Information on any civil actions filed by the victim’s family is also absent.
Verbatim Quotes
- “ We faced another Mother's Day without her.” — Renata Long, mother of Erin Jones
- “We faced another Mother's Day without her. We remembered the weekend we laid her to rest two years ago, and on May 15, I was forced to confront one of the major milestones Erin worked so hard to achieve, but never got a chance to experience. Two weeks ago, Erin should have graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in business administration.” — Renata Long
- “I was young and not thinking straight.” — Tevion Beale, shooter
- “I just hope you and your family will find peace over time.” — Tevion Beale
What's Next
The two remaining defendants are set for trial later in the summer of 2026. Their verdicts will shape any further sentencing and may influence ongoing debates about campus safety and gun-violence prevention in Tucson.
