The Unseen Legacy: 5 Shocking Facts About Chris Paul's Grandfather, Nathaniel Jones, And The Ongoing Legal Battle

The story of Nathaniel Jones, the beloved grandfather of NBA star Chris Paul, is a powerful and tragic narrative that continues to evolve even now, in late 2025. What began as a devastating personal loss for the future "Point God" has recently spiraled into a complex and ongoing legal saga, with new evidence and judicial rulings throwing the original 2002 murder case into turmoil.

This article dives deep into the life of the man Chris Paul called 'Papa Chili,' his immense influence on the basketball legend, and the shocking, up-to-the-minute developments concerning the murder convictions that have been overturned, making this decades-old case fresh news once again. The emotional weight of this story highlights the deep bond between a grandfather and his grandson, a bond that drove one of the most famous high school basketball performances in history.

Nathaniel Jones: A Biography and Enduring Legacy

Nathaniel Frederick Jones, known affectionately by his family and community as "Papa Chili," was a pillar of the Winston-Salem, North Carolina, community. His life was defined by hard work, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to his family, especially his grandson, Chris Paul.

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A Life in Winston-Salem: Entity List

• Full Name: Nathaniel Frederick Jones
• Nickname: "Papa Chili"
• Residence/Community: Winston-Salem, North Carolina
• Profession: Owner and operator of a Chevron service station/gas station on the city's south side.
• Relationship to Chris Paul: Grandfather, closest friend, and biggest fan.
• Age at Death: 61 years old.
• Date of Death: November 15, 2002.
• Cause of Death: Heart attack, following a violent assault and robbery outside his home.
• Tragic Timing: His death occurred just one day after Chris Paul committed to play basketball at Wake Forest University.

Jones was not just a grandfather; he was a mentor and a constant presence in Chris Paul's life. He was famous for closing his Chevron station early to attend his grandson's basketball games, often driving him to practices and tournaments. His service station was an institution, a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and community ties in Winston-Salem.

His influence on CP3 was so profound that Chris Paul has frequently cited his grandfather as the primary inspiration for his work ethic and commitment to service, a legacy that continues through the Chris Paul Family Foundation.

The Emotional 61-Point Tribute Game

The day after Nathaniel Jones's tragic death in 2002, a grieving Chris Paul, then a senior at West Forsyth High School, took the court for a high school basketball game. What followed is one of the most legendary and emotional scoring performances in sports history.

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Before the game, Paul's aunt suggested that he should score 61 points—one point for every year of his grandfather's life. Paul took this challenge to heart, channeling his immense grief into a focused, unforgettable performance against Parkland High School.

Paul dominated the game, sinking shot after shot, driven by a visible, raw emotion. As the final seconds ticked down, Paul found himself at the free-throw line, having scored exactly 61 points. In a moment of profound respect and deliberate intention, he intentionally missed the second free throw, dribbled the ball once, and then immediately called a timeout and walked off the court.

He had reached the sacred number—61—and felt his mission was complete. This act of intentional self-limitation, prioritizing the memory of his grandfather over a higher personal score, cemented the game's place in sports lore and became a defining moment in Chris Paul's journey to becoming an NBA superstar. The story of the 61-point tribute is a powerful testament to the depth of his relationship with "Papa Chili."

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The Shocking New Twist: Convictions Overturned for the 'Winston-Salem Five'

For over two decades, five teenagers—known collectively as the "Winston-Salem Five"—were convicted in connection with the murder of Nathaniel Jones. However, in a major legal development in recent years, the convictions have been thrown into serious doubt.

The original trial concluded that the five men—Roderick Banner, Jermal Tolliver, Dorrell Brayboy, Michael Taylor, and Christopher Bryant—were responsible for the robbery and assault that led to Jones's fatal heart attack. Many of the convictions relied heavily on confessions obtained from the young men, who were 15 and 16 years old at the time.

The Recent Legal Turmoil: A Fresh Update

• The Ruling: A North Carolina Superior Court judge, citing newly discovered evidence, recently ruled to overturn the convictions of four of the men.
• The New Evidence: Key factors in the judge’s decision included a recantation from a central witness in the original trial and arguments suggesting the confessions were coerced or unreliable, particularly given the defendants' young age and history of learning problems.
• The Ongoing Battle: The legal situation is not fully resolved. The State of North Carolina has appealed the Superior Court judge's decision, and the North Carolina Supreme Court has issued a stay, temporarily blocking the release of the remaining men while the case is reviewed.
• Impact: This legal fight has brought the entire case back into the national spotlight, raising serious questions about the original investigation and the justice served to both the Jones family and the convicted men.

The overturning of the convictions has reignited the decades-old debate over who was truly responsible for the death of Nathaniel Jones. It underscores the complexity and emotional difficulty of seeking justice in this high-profile case, a situation that continues to weigh heavily on the Winston-Salem community and the Paul family.

The Enduring Impact of 'Papa Chili' on Chris Paul

The legacy of Nathaniel Jones extends far beyond the tragic circumstances of his death and the ongoing legal battles. He remains a foundational figure in Chris Paul's life and career. Every major milestone in Paul's journey—from his time at Wake Forest to his multiple All-Star appearances and his role as a prominent union leader—is colored by the memory of his grandfather.

Jones instilled in Paul a sense of community responsibility and humility. Even as a superstar, CP3 has consistently returned to his roots in Winston-Salem, a commitment that mirrors the community-focused life his grandfather led as a local business owner. The tragic loss, and the subsequent tribute game, became a crucible that forged Paul's legendary focus and determination. The story of Nathaniel Jones is a permanent, powerful chapter in the biography of one of the NBA's greatest point guards, a reminder that behind the athletic achievement lies a profound and enduring personal sacrifice.