FORT WORTH, TX — Tragedy Strikes as Earl Bolden is Fatally Shot in Front of His Son; Suspect Javier Jones Arrested and Charged with Murder

FORT WORTH, TX — In a tragic and senseless act of violence that has left a family devastated and a community reeling, 37-year-old Earl Bolden was shot and killed outside the Buena Vista Apartments on the night of April 21, 2025 — an incident made all the more harrowing by the presence of his 7-year-old son, who witnessed the fatal attack.

According to Fort Worth police, the shooting occurred just after 9:00 p.m. in the 3700 block of South Grove Street, a typically quiet neighborhood that was shaken by the sudden eruption of gunfire. Witnesses reported hearing multiple shots before seeing Bolden collapse in the parking lot of the apartment complex, clutching his chest. Emergency responders arrived quickly and transported him to a nearby hospital, but despite their efforts, Bolden was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

The emotional weight of the tragedy has been intensified by the heartbreaking detail that Bolden’s young son was present at the scene. Neighbors reported hearing the child scream for help, his voice piercing through the night in anguish as his father lay bleeding beside him. One neighbor described it as “the most gut-wrenching thing [they’ve] ever heard.”

Police swiftly launched an investigation and identified 25-year-old Javier Jones as the primary suspect in the case. Authorities stated that Bolden and Jones knew each other and may have been involved in a heated dispute earlier in the evening. Surveillance footage from the apartment complex and several eyewitness accounts helped investigators track Jones down. He was taken into custody less than 24 hours later and has since been charged with murder.

While the motive behind the shooting remains under investigation, authorities have confirmed that the altercation escalated into violence far too quickly, leading to a life being taken in front of a child who will never forget what he saw.

“This is an unspeakable tragedy,” said Fort Worth Police Chief Neil Noakes. “No child should have to witness such horror. Our hearts go out to the family, and we are doing everything in our power to ensure that justice is served.”

Earl Bolden was described by family and friends as a loving father, a hardworking man, and someone who always made time for his son. A cousin, speaking through tears, said, “He was everything to that little boy. They were inseparable. Now he has to grow up without his dad, and with the trauma of seeing this happen.”

A GoFundMe page has since been created by family members to help cover funeral expenses and support Bolden’s son in the wake of this devastating loss. The page quickly began circulating on social media, with community members, friends, and even strangers offering donations and words of comfort.

Local leaders and community activists have also stepped forward, calling for increased measures to curb gun violence in Fort Worth neighborhoods and more resources for families affected by trauma and loss.

“This didn’t just end a life — it scarred a child forever,” said Angela Harris, a local advocate for gun safety. “We need to do better as a society. No family should have to endure this kind of pain.”

Javier Jones is currently being held in the Tarrant County Jail without bond. His first court appearance is expected in the coming days. The Fort Worth Police Department urges anyone with additional information about the incident to come forward and contact their homicide unit.

As the investigation continues, the community prepares to honor the life of Earl Bolden, whose final moments were spent protecting the most important person in his life — his son. A memorial vigil is being planned for later this week, where candles will be lit, prayers will be shared, and a life lost too soon will be remembered.