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.
Crime
Indiana Man Arrested for Allegedly Threatening to Assassinate President Trump in TikTok Videos
A 23-year-old Indiana man has been arrested and charged with making threats against former President Donald Trump after allegedly posting multiple threatening videos on TikTok, federal authorities announced Thursday.
According to a criminal complaint filed by the FBI, Douglas Thrams posted a series of videos between Monday—when Trump was inaugurated—and Wednesday, in which he allegedly threatened anti-government violence and called for the assassination of the former president.
In one of the videos cited in the complaint, Thrams reportedly stated, “Every U.S. government building needs to be bombed immediately.” He further escalated his rhetoric by saying, “He [Trump] needs to be assassinated, and this time, don’t… miss,” using explicit language.
Authorities noted that Thrams’ statements were particularly concerning in light of previous assassination attempts targeting Trump, including an incident last year at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where the former president sustained a minor injury to his ear.
Additionally, an FBI affidavit revealed that in another video, Thrams was seen holding a rifle and tapping it, an action investigators interpreted as an implied threat.
Thrams was taken into custody on Thursday and has been charged with “interstate communications with a threat to injure,” a federal offense.
The case remains under investigation, and authorities have not disclosed any further potential threats. Thrams is expected to appear in federal court in the coming days.