‘Beacon of inspiration’: Beloved Akron guidance counselor murdered; son charged

Darcie Loreno
·1 min read
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AKRON, Ohio (WJW) — Police are investigating the murder of a beloved school guidance counselor.

Akron police say Courtney Jones-Hunter, 59, and her 74-year-old husband were stabbed multiple times inside a home in the Goodyear Heights neighborhood Wednesday night.

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Jones-Hunter was a guidance counselor at East Community Learning Center. She passed away from her injuries, and her husband, the suspect’s step-father, is hospitalized.

Jones-Hunter’s 40-year-old son, Alex Andrew, was taken into custody right after the incident. He faces charges of murder and felonious assault.

“It appears that the suspect assaulted the victims with a knife and later called 911 to report the incident,” Akron Cpt. Michael Miller. “Detectives are working to understand more about the circumstances that contributed to the tragedy.”

Akron City Schools issued a statement saying Jones-Hunter will be remembered as a beacon of support and inspiration.

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“Courtney has left an indelible mark at APS and East; we will deeply feel this loss,” it went on to say. “During her tenure at East CLC, Courtney touched the lives of countless young scholars. She committed herself to their well-being and encouraged them always.  Courtney’s compassion and kindness resonated throughout our school community; we will remember her as a beacon of support and inspiration.”

Courtney Jones-Hunter statementDownload

Counselors will be available for students or staff.

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