A mother in Maryland is mourning the tragic loss of her 4-year-old son, who was allegedly killed by his father on Christmas Eve during a domestic dispute.
The boy, Jacobi Sa’Fiir Marcelle, was killed in their home in Rosedale, Maryland, in what police described as a “domestic-related assault.”.. Continue reading here ▶
His mother, Promyss Marcelle, and his 1-year-old sister were also injured in the attack, according to Baltimore County Police.
The boy’s father, 30-year-old Mark C. Jones, reportedly shot himself during the incident but survived.
He was later arrested and charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, child abuse, and assault, police said on December 29.
According to police, the incident began early on Christmas Eve around 6 a.m. when Jones entered Marcelle’s room and started an argument.
Jacobi asked his father to leave, but Jones allegedly pulled out a handgun, loaded it, and fired. Marcelle, who was in bed with her children, was hit by the gunfire and fell to the floor.
Now, Marcelle is speaking out to honor her son and raise awareness about domestic violence.
“Even if you’re lonely or trying to keep your family together, it’s not worth it,” she told 11 News. “Take my story. I was forced to leave, and now I don’t have my son.”
During a community event for domestic violence awareness, Marcelle shared memories of Jacobi’s excitement for Christmas.
“He kept trying to open the presents, but I told him to wait until Christmas,” she said. “He never got to open those presents. But I’m keeping my son’s name alive.”
She described Jacobi as a happy child who “lit up a room” and was “always smiling.”
On a GoFundMe page set up to help with funeral and recovery costs, Marcelle wrote, “Grieving the loss of my son has been the most unbearable thing I’ve ever had to deal with.”
Mark Jones has been charged with several crimes, including first-degree murder, but has not entered a plea. His attorney has not commented on the case.
If you or someone you know is facing domestic violence, help is available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or thehotline.org.
For concerns about child abuse, contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453 or visit childhelp.org. Both hotlines are free, confidential, and available 24/7 in over 170 languages.
