NEW YORK  — Police say a college basketball coach threw a punch that killed a New York City tourist who knocked on his car window thinking it was his Uber ride.

  • Jamill Jones is charged with assault
  • He is accused of punching and killing a tourist in New York City
  • The University says they have placed Jones on leave

Wake Forest assistant coach Jamill Jones was arrested Thursday and charged with assault. Police say Jones confronted Sandor Szabo on a Queens street around 1:15 a.m. Sunday. They say the punch caused Szabo to fall and hit his head on a sidewalk.

The university's athletic director has placed Jones on leave and say they are sending "heartfelt condolences to Szabo's family and friends following his tragic death."

 

 

Szabo, also 35, was taken off life support Tuesday. His family says he was visiting New York from Boca Raton, Florida, for a wedding.

Jones, a Philadelphia native, previously coached at Central Florida, Virginia Commonwealth and Florida Gulf Coast, according to the school's website.

The Jones family released a statement regarding the death:

We would like to extend our deepest condolences to the Szabo family for the loss of their son, Sabor Szabo.

It is our sincere hope that this matter not be tried in the court of public opinion. The Jones family stands by Jamill, and his legal right to be presumed innocent in what is, ultimately, a tragic incident.

Jamill Jones is a wonderful son and father – a good-hearted man who protects his loved ones from harm. As the father of two young children, their safety and wellbeing is of the utmost importance to him at all times. As a coach, Jamill safely shepherds young men to be respectful contributors to society while competing at the highest levels of collegiate sports.

Jamill is a man of good character and has a strong work ethic. Those two qualities led him to become one of the top assistant college basketball coaches in the country. Before working in collegiate basketball, he worked directly with youth basketball players. At every stop inJamill’s career, he has been regarded as a key contributor to the success of his students, colleagues, and teams.

Out of respect for the Szabo family and the integrity of the ongoing investigation, the Jones family requests privacy moving forward in this matter. We will not issue any additional statements at this time. Thank you.

Get the latest news, sports and weather delivered straight to your inbox. Click here to sign up for email and text alerts.