Mom hopes for swift justice in Houston-area dancer's murder

Jessica Willey Image
Tuesday, May 10, 2016
Mom hopes for swift justice in Houston-area dancer's murder
The man accused in the fatal shooting of a 20-year-old Houston-area dancer appeared before a judge Monday morning.

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The mother of a murdered Houston dancer is celebrating an arrest in his case and preparing herself for the long journey ahead.

Jehlan Vaughn, 20, was shot to death inside his own apartment in west Houston in March. Friday, Jonathan Green, 20, was arrested accused of his murder.

VIDEO: Houston-area dancer with bright future gunned down

"I was very happy when I heard that news," said Liz Vaughn, the victim's mother. Jehlan was a talented dancer with a bright future. "Every single day, I think about him every moment of every day."

But with the "up" of the arrest, came a "down," too. Green, all buttoned up wearing a pink long-sleeved shirt and dark pants, appeared in court Monday morning and was released on a $50,000 bond, which is standard for a defendant with only a prior misdemeanor. Green was charged with possession of marijuana in 2013.

"I think that's insane. I didn't even think about that...that possibility and I certainly didn't know the bond could be that low," Vaughn said.

The mother is now preparing herself for the long road ahead as she awaits other developments in her son's murder case.

"I will still continue to celebrate each small step on a journey to justice for Jehlan," Vaughn said.

Houston police have not released motive in Vaughn's murder.