The Dallas Police Department announced on April 16 the arrests of two individuals believed to be involved in a fatal shooting in March. The suspects were riding in a vehicle along with Dallas Cowboys corner Kelvin Joseph when the shooting occurred. Joseph reportedly cooperated with police and is not named a suspect at this time.
The two men arrested are Arias Jones, 28, and Tivione English, 21, both from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, according to press information provided by the Dallas Police Department. Numerous eye-witnesses identified the two as suspects, and surveillance video captured the men getting into a black SUV shortly before the shooting.
Joseph was identified after witnesses recalled seeing one of the men wearing a gold necklace with the letters “YKDV,” believed to allude to Joseph’s rap artist name, YKVD Bossman Fat. Joseph interviewed with Dallas Police on April 15 for about 2 hours.
According to several news reports, the Cowboys organization had encouraged Joseph to talk to DPD. Still, it is not clear why he did not immediately report his knowledge of the incident in the weeks following the shooting.
Attorney Barry Sorrels, who represents Joseph, told the media on Friday that Joseph was not the shooter.
“Kelvin Joseph did not shoot Cameron Ray,” Sorrels said in a statement. “Mr. Ray’s death is a tragedy, and Kelvin extends his deepest condolences for the family’s loss. On the night of March 17, Kelvin was unarmed and was not looking for violence. He found himself in a situation that escalated without his knowledge or consent.”
Video of the incident released by DPD showed Joseph and several other individuals engaging in a fistfight in a parking lot. Later, the video shows Ray walking toward a parked car when a black SUV drives past. Gunfire can be seen coming from the SUV. Ray was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
The Dallas Cowboys have not released the receiver and did issue a statement about the incident on April 15.
“The Dallas Cowboys are aware of the tragic incident that occurred in Dallas on March 18. First and foremost, our hearts go out to Mr. Ray’s family and loved ones. The organization is aware of Kelvin Joseph’s possible connection to this incident. We are in contact with Dallas law enforcement and have alerted the NFL office. We have no further comment at this time.”
Joseph could face criminal charges concerning his involvement in the incident. Texas law stipulates that failure to report one’s knowledge of a homicide can be charged as a misdemeanor, meaning he could face aiding and abetting charges.
Though less likely, Joseph could potentially be charged for participation in the shooting. Texas law does not distinguish between an accomplice and a principal actor when prosecuting homicide cases. As a result, he could potentially face a first-degree felony charge and 5 or more years in prison due to his presence at the time of the crime.
Joseph was a second-round selection in 2021 and saw limited time last season. In 10 games, Joseph recorded 13 tackles and two passes defended. NFL.com reports that league sources are investigating the incident under the league’s personal conduct policy, but no decision has been made relating to Joseph’s future in the NFL.
