Charleston family to file civil lawsuit after Special Prosecutor declines charges in fatal shooting
- Dennis McCaslin
- Aug 22, 2025
- 2 min read
The family of Brad Jones, a Charleston man fatally shot on July 10, has announced plans to file a civil wrongful death lawsuit after prosecutors declined to pursue criminal charges against the shooter, Kermit Acosta.
Special Prosecuting Attorney David Ethredge, appointed after Sebastian County Prosecutor Daniel Shue recused himself due to potential conflicts of interest, concluded that Acosta acted in self-defense.
Ethredge cited witness testimony, physical evidence, and investigative findings in determining that the state could not disprove Acosta’s claim of perceiving an imminent threat.
Jones, 52, was reportedly unarmed at the time of the confrontation, which occurred at a residence in Lavaca. His family disputes the justification, arguing that Brad posed no threat and that his death was both unnecessary and unjustifiable.
“Brad was a loving husband, father, and hardworking member of this community,” said his wife, Sherry Jones, in a statement. “His life was taken without cause, and our family deserves justice. The prosecutor’s decision does not change the truth of what happened, nor will it silence our pursuit of accountability”.
The Jones family has retained attorneys Kevin Metcalf and Chad Atwell of The Atwell Law Firm to represent them in the civil case. They also raised concerns about the integrity of the investigation, pointing to familial ties between Acosta and former law enforcement officers in Sebastian County.
“If the criminal system will not hold him accountable, then we will fight through the civil courts,” said Brad’s daughter. “Our father’s life mattered, and we will not rest until the truth is recognized”.
Brad Jones was known locally as a youth coach and community leader. His death has left many in Charleston searching for answers and calling for transparency in the legal process.
The family has asked for privacy as they continue to grieve and prepare for the next phase of their legal pursuit.
