Crime
30-year-old Mark Jones Arrested in Christmas Eve Shooting That Killed His 4-Year-Old Son Jacobi Jones in Rosedale
Authorities are investigating the incident as a domestic violence-related assault.
Baltimore County police have arrested 30-year-old Mark Jones in connection with the Christmas Eve shooting that claimed the life of his 4-year-old son, Jacobi Jones, and left two other family members injured.
Authorities are investigating the incident as a domestic violence-related assault.
On Christmas Eve, at approximately 6:35 a.m., police responded to a call reporting a shooting at a residence in the unit block of Breslin Court in Rosedale, Maryland.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a harrowing scene involving three victims, including two young children.
Jacobi Jones, just 4 years old, sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the head. His 1-year-old sister was also injured, suffering a gunshot wound to her shoulder. Their mother, Promyss Marcelle, was shot in the head but survived.
The alleged shooter, Mark Jones, the father of the two children, sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound and was taken into custody. He is currently being held without bail at the Baltimore County Detention Center and faces eight charges, including first-degree murder.
In the wake of the tragedy, Promyss Marcelle has shared her unimaginable pain and heartbreak. In a public statement, she recounted the events of that devastating morning:
“On Christmas Eve at 6:30 a.m., myself, my one and only son, and my daughter were shot by the hands of their father. I was shot in my head and am fortunate enough to be here to tell this story, as is my 1-year-old daughter, who was shot in her shoulder. Unfortunately, my son, who was shot in the head, did not make it.
Grieving the loss of my son has been the most unbearable thing I’ve ever had to deal with. The agony and pain I feel is something I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. I am trying—trying to push through for the sake of my daughter, who still needs me. At this time, I am trying to recover with my daughter while also burying my son.
I need the help of those who can assist me financially to bury my son properly. Nothing is too little, and anything helps. Even if you cannot donate financially, please keep my family in your prayers.”
According to police and family members, the shooting stems from a history of domestic violence at the residence. Investigators are working to determine what sparked the argument that led to the fatal shooting.
The tragic event underscores the deadly consequences of domestic violence and has prompted Promyss Marcelle to speak out in hopes of raising awareness. She is urging victims of domestic violence to seek help and leave abusive situations before it’s too late.
A GoFundMe account has been created to assist with Jacobi’s funeral expenses. The account aims to help the grieving family give Jacobi a proper burial and provide some relief as they navigate this devastating loss.
Mark Jones is scheduled for a bail review on Monday afternoon in Towson. While he remains in custody, the investigation continues to uncover the full details of what transpired that morning.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing domestic violence and supporting those affected. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit thehotline.org for resources and support.
The Baltimore County community mourns the loss of young Jacobi Jones, whose life was tragically cut short, and stands in support of his surviving family as they cope with this unimaginable tragedy.
KANSAS CITY, MO — Armando Navarro, 50, has been charged with the shooting deaths of three women and a dog, along with the attempted murder of a surviving family member, following a violent domestic incident early Sunday, February 2, 2025, according to court documents filed by the Platte County Prosecutor’s Office.
Officers with the Kansas City Police Department (KCPD) responded to reports of a shooting at a residence in the 4100 block of NW 65th Street around 12:40 a.m.
The emergency call came from a neighbor who reported that a distressed woman had knocked on her door, claiming she had been shot at.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a harrowing scene inside the home:
- Three women were found deceased from apparent gunshot wounds.
- A dog had also been fatally shot.
- A surviving victim, whose identity has not been publicly released, managed to escape and alert neighbors.
The deceased have been identified as:
- Hailey Hopcus, 24
- Jodie Hopcus, 49
- Sherri Duncan, 73
The victims were related as granddaughter, mother, and grandmother, respectively. The surviving victim is Hailey’s sister, Jodie’s daughter, and Duncan’s granddaughter.
According to the surviving victim’s account, the tragic events unfolded following an argument between her mother, Jodie Hopcus, and Jodie’s boyfriend, Armando Navarro.
The couple had a history of frequent disputes, and on the night of the shooting, the argument escalated significantly.
As the surviving victim prepared for bed, she overheard the heated exchange. Navarro was reportedly pleading to stay, claiming he had nowhere else to go, while Jodie insisted he leave.
The situation took a deadly turn when Navarro, instead of gathering his belongings as the family believed, retrieved a small handgun and began shooting.
- Jodie Hopcus was initially shot in the arm while trying to protect her daughter.
- When Navarro ran out of ammunition, he grabbed a kitchen knife and later armed himself with a larger firearm, which he momentarily held under his chin as if contemplating suicide.
- Despite Jodie’s efforts to shield her daughter, Navarro shot her in the head when she attempted to escape.
- Sherri Duncan, the family’s matriarch, was already motionless on the floor by this point.
The surviving victim narrowly escaped after Navarro fired at her, with a bullet grazing her hair.
She sought refuge at a neighboring residence, where she heard Navarro calling her name before he fled the scene in a white 2020 Ford Expedition registered to one of the victims.
Navarro was later apprehended in Abilene, Kansas, by the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Department and the Kansas Highway Patrol.
His capture came after his son contacted authorities around 2:00 a.m., reporting that Navarro had called him, stating he had “killed them all.”
Navarro is currently being held in the Dickinson County Jail and faces multiple charges, including:
- 3 counts of First-Degree Murder (Felony)
- 4 counts of Armed Criminal Action (Felony)
- 1 count of First-Degree Assault (Felony)
- 1 count of Animal Abuse (Misdemeanor)
His initial court appearance has not yet been scheduled.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. The Missouri Bureau of Investigation (MBI) is assisting with forensic analysis and evidence collection.
Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the Kansas City Police Department or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers at (816) 474-TIPS.