Tzaddi Cox Murder Case: College Student Charged with Assistance in Robbery Turned Deadly
Tzaddi Cox, a 35-year-old Marine veteran, was tragically killed in a robbery gone wrong late one Friday night in May. Cox had stepped out to grab carryout food for his family and never made it back home.
According to prosecutors, Cox was gunned down in Austin by two strangers who followed him as he returned from a nearby restaurant just after midnight on May 3. In an alley near 1211 North Massasoit, Cox was confronted by the assailants. One of the men held him at gunpoint while the other went through his pockets, resulting in Cox being shot twice in the chest after firing a single round in self-defense.
Jaden Pointer, a 19-year-old college student, is now facing murder charges for allegedly assisting in setting up the robbery that led to Cox’s death. Pointer is accused of aiding the still-uncharged accomplice who ultimately shot Cox.
Surveillance footage captured Pointer and the accomplice following Cox down Division Street before confronting him in the alley. Pointer was allegedly seen searching Cox’s pockets while the other held him at gunpoint. Despite Cox’s legal concealed carry status and firing in self-defense, he was fatally shot.
Pointer sustained a hand injury during the altercation and, along with the accomplice, fled the scene in a red Nissan. Pointer later called 911 from an address on North Hoyne, claiming to have accidentally shot himself while finding a gun in an alley.
Further evidence pointed to Pointer’s involvement in the crime, including GPS data from his phone placing him at the scene of the shooting, tracking his movements to the getaway car, and leading to the address on Hoyne. Pointer also allegedly searched for information on crime investigation evidence after the incident.
Despite Pointer’s admission to taking part in the robbery, his defense argued that he had no prior arrests and did not intend for harm to come to anyone. Pointer was described as a college student and part-time worker, with aspirations for further education.
Although acknowledging the severity of Cox’s death, the judge ruled that pretrial detention was not necessary based on the evidence presented. Pointer was ordered to remain on electronic monitoring, with restricted movement compared to standard participants.
This case highlights the tragic consequences of a robbery turned deadly and the legal complexities surrounding involvement in such crimes. As the legal proceedings continue, the community mourns the loss of Tzaddi Cox and seeks justice for his untimely death.
Sourcing: This report is based on the official court transcript of the defendant’s detention hearing, purchased through the generosity of CWBChicago readers like you.
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