BALTIMORE — In the wake of two heartbreaking murders connected to domestic violence, residents of Baltimore County gathered to honor the lives lost and support those affected. The tragic events that unfolded over the holidays have left the community in mourning and sparked a call for change.
On Thursday, a crime walk was held in Rosedale on Breslin Court, where a father, Mark Jones, allegedly shot and killed his 4-year-old son, Jacobi Jones, on Christmas Eve. The event was organized by Maryland Delegate Carl Jackson, who represents the district and has been a vocal advocate for addressing the rise in domestic violence in the area.
“My baby died right there,” said Promyss Michelle, the mother of Jacobi, her voice breaking with grief. “I would do anything in this world to have my baby back, hug my son.”
Michelle was in her bedroom with her children when the violence erupted. According to charging documents, Mark Jones, who was in the children’s room, came into the bedroom and began arguing. After Jacobi asked his father to leave, Jones allegedly retrieved a handgun, loaded it, and shot both the boy and his mother, before turning the weapon on himself.
In a separate tragedy, 21-year-old Xander Fried is now facing charges for the brutal stabbing of his mother, 57-year-old Melanie Fried, in Pikesville on New Year’s Eve. Police responded to a call reporting an assault in progress and discovered Melanie’s body in a chair, with multiple stab wounds to her chest and hands.
At the crime walk, Delegate Jackson spoke to those gathered, acknowledging the recent uptick in domestic violence cases in his district. “If anyone here is dealing with issues of domestic violence, we have professionals here to help you,” he said, as community leaders, police officers, and local behavioral specialists offered resources and support.
Baltimore County Police Chief Robert McCullough emphasized the importance of responding to domestic violence incidents with both care and urgency. “We’re focusing on resources and looking at how we respond to domestic violent incidents,” McCullough said.
Promyss Michelle, revisiting the site of her son’s murder, hopes her painful story will serve as a warning to others. “Just leave before it gets like mine,” she said through tears. “It’s not worth it.”
For anyone experiencing abuse or in need of support, the National Domestic Violence Hotline offers confidential help 24/7 at 1-800-799-7233 or online at thehotline.org.