Issue date: 10/28/09 Section: News

Media Credit: Courtesy of Lilly Fuentes Quran Jones [Click to enlarge]

The man suspected in the death of Scott Hawkins was known as a quiet student with no obvious problems with others.

Quran Jones, 19, allegedly attacked and killed his suitemate Oct. 21 during an altercation in their room at the American River Courtyard residence hall.

"That's not his way of doing things," said his biological father, Willie Jones, in an interview with The Sacramento Bee on Thursday.

Like the victim, Quran Jones also went to a Catholic school before attending Sacramento State.

Quran Jones played on the football team at Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory in San Francisco.

The school's principal, Ken Hogarty, declined to give any comments about Quran Jones.

"I personally am stunned by the tragedy in Sacramento as it has been reported and will continue to pray for all those involved," Hogarty said in an e-mail to The State Hornet.

Spencer Dirrim, roommate and sophomore computer science major, said the two men had not had any issues before Wednesday and was surprised the incident involved his roommates.

"I couldn't believe it had been either of them because I didn't think either of them were capable of that," Dirrim said.

Lavita Jones, sophomore psychology major and friend of Jones, said she was confused that Jones was a suspect because he was always nice and calm.

"When I saw the news, I thought (Jones) was the victim," said Lavita Jones, who is not related to the suspect.

Jones never displayed any hostility at the university dining commons where he worked in the dish room, said Kim Smith, Jones' co-worker.

Smith asked for her name to be changed to protect her identity.

"I never expected it," Smith said. "As far as I've seen him, he didn't have any signs or problems.

She said Jones was hired this semester to work at the dining commons, and has been working there for about a month.

He also did not have any known problems with the residents while he lived in Sierra Hall last year, Smith said.

Natalie Flynn, Inna Gritsak and Kristine Guerra can be reached at news@statehornet.com.

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