Maryland Father Accused of Killing 4-Year-Old Son After the Child Asked Him to Leave During an Argument with His Mother

On Christmas Eve 2024, Maryland residents were left shocked and devastated by the tragic news of a horrifying crime that stunned the local community.

According to Law&Crime, Four-year-old Jacobi Jones was tragically shot and killed by his father, Mark Jones, during a domestic dispute in Rosedale, Baltimore County.

Authorities responded to the crime scene early that morning, uncovering a tragic case of domestic violence that claimed the life of a young child.

Mark Jones is now charged with first-degree murder, two counts of attempted first-degree murder, and child abuse. 

The incident, which unfolded in the early hours of December 24, 2024, has raised questions about domestic abuse prevention, the justice system’s role, and the devastating toll such violence takes on families.  

Jacobi Jones

The Unthinkable Christmas Morning

Baltimore County Police received a call at approximately 6:35 a.m. regarding a shooting at a residence on Breslin Court, Rosedale. 

Upon arrival, officers discovered 4-year-old Jacobi, his mother, Promyss Marcelle, and his 1-year-old sister, all suffering from gunshot wounds. 

While Promyss and her daughter survived, Jacobi succumbed to his injuries, as reported by CBS News.

"The agony and pain I feel is something I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. Grieving the loss of my son has been the most unbearable thing I’ve ever had to deal with." Promyss later shared through a GoFundMe page.

According to police reports, the tragedy began when Mark Jones entered Promyss’ bedroom, where she was sleeping with the children, and started an argument. 

When Jacobi asked his father to leave, Jones allegedly retrieved a handgun and began firing at Promyss and her kids.

After that, he turned the gun on himself, as reported by Law&Crime.

Mark Jones

A Mother's Unimaginable Loss

Court documents revealed that Mark Jones had a history of domestic violence. 

In May 2023, he pleaded guilty to second-degree assault involving a firearm. 

A temporary restraining order issued earlier that year was dismissed for unknown reasons.  

Promyss disclosed that she had contacted the police earlier that day, but they reportedly stated that they could do nothing. 

This raises critical questions about law enforcement’s ability to intervene in domestic situations before tragedy strikes.  

 Promyss Marcelle

Through tears, Promyss spoke about her son Jacobi, who loved dinosaurs and eagerly anticipated opening Christmas gifts.

  

"He kept trying to open the presents, but I told him he had to wait until Christmas. He never got to open those presents," said the grieving mother

Mark Jones, who survived a self-inflicted gunshot wound, now faces charges that include murder and child abuse. 

His next court hearing is scheduled for later this month.  

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