He robbed and killed his friend. Then, he told the victim’s family he was in a bad space.

An Ohio man bought drugs from his friend. Later, he returned to rob him and got him killed instead. Now, the suspect will remain behind bars for decades.

Recently, an Erie County Court of Common Pleas Judge handed Jalen Jones a life sentence with the possibility of parole for the shooting death of Sandusky resident Tavon Myers, 41.

Jones pleaded guilty to complicity to murder.

On Dec. 5, 2020, officers from the Sandusky City Police Department in Ohio responded to the 600 Block of East Madison Street due to reports of multiple gunshots, according to WTOL 11.The 21-year-old Jones and two co-defendants had bought drugs from Myers early that day.

Later, the armed men returned to rob Myers when an altercation led to a shootout. Jones was shot and was rushed to Firelands Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. Then, officers found Lavelle Chapman, 26, at the 200 Block of Center Street with a gunshot wound.

Investigators believed Jones masterminded the robbery by choosing the target and driving Exavier Cruz, 22, and Chapman to the victim’s location.

"The defendant was the one to determine that Myers was someone that they could steal from. He cased the joint and was transport to and from the senseless murder that happened that day," said Erie County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Paulette Lilly, according to Sandusky Register.

The victim’s wife, Bryonia Myers, expressed her betrayal during the victim impact statement. Over the years, Jones visited their home, sat at their table and played with their son. In response, the defendant expressed remorse and told Bryonia Myers he had been in a bad space.

Cruz was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole for one count of aggravated murder. Chapman case is pending.

Jones will be eligible for parole after serving a minimum of 18 years.