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
Eric Bechtolt Killed After Shooting at Florence Tower in Omaha, Suspect Billy Dorrall Arrested
Omaha, NE – On Sunday evening, Omaha Police Department officers responded to an active shooting at Florence Tower, located at 5100 Florence Blvd, following multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire inside the building.
The first reports were received at 6:05 p.m., with at least three separate callers stating they had heard shots fired on the fifth or sixth floor of the apartment complex.
By 6:14 p.m., a fourth caller reported seeing a male suspect walking on the sixth floor carrying two handguns.
Uniform Patrol officers arrived on scene at 6:11 p.m. and began a floor-by-floor search of the building, starting from the fifth floor.
As officers ascended the south stairwell toward the sixth floor, they heard sounds of a disturbance.
Just as they neared the sixth-floor door, it was abruptly opened by a male suspect — later identified as 50-year-old Billy A. Dorrall.
At that moment, one officer discharged their service weapon, striking Dorrall in the left hip.
In response, Dorrall fired back down the stairwell and then retreated into the sixth-floor hallway.
Once back in the hallway, Dorrall reportedly fired multiple rounds, aiming both up and down the corridor, and threatened several residents at gunpoint.
A coordinated arrest team, equipped with a ballistic shield, moved into position while officers in the stairwell maintained containment. As they prepared to enter the hallway, officers heard additional gunfire.
The arrest team entered the hallway, issued loud verbal commands, and Dorrall surrendered without further incident.
He was immediately provided medical treatment by Omaha Fire Department personnel and transported to Nebraska Medicine, where he was treated for a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. He has since been released into police custody.
During the investigation, officers recovered surveillance footage from building cameras, which was provided by the Omaha Housing Authority.
The footage shows Dorrall behaving erratically and confronting residents before engaging in a verbal altercation with another tenant, identified as 45-year-old Eric M. Bechtolt.
The video shows Dorrall returning to his apartment, retrieving a firearm, and shooting Bechtolt multiple times in the hallway. Responding officers later found Bechtolt deceased outside the stairwell door.
Dorrall was interviewed by detectives and provided a full confession, admitting to the murder of Bechtolt.
He also expressed an intent to kill additional residents and responding officers had he not been stopped.
Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer issued a statement commending the officers involved:
“I want to commend the officers who responded to this incredibly dangerous situation. Their training, courage, and swift response undoubtedly prevented further loss of life. What unfolded at Florence Tower was tragic, and our thoughts and condolences are with the family and loved ones of Mr. Bechtolt. Our officers acted heroically under extreme pressure, and I am proud of their commitment to protecting the residents of Omaha.”
The department has released still images from surveillance footage, showing Dorrall armed with two handguns, along with crime scene photographs of the weapons, ammunition, and spent shell casings recovered from the scene.
The investigation remains ongoing.