Farmington Man Charged with Second-Degree Murder in Castle Rock Township Shooting
Published: December 29, 2025 | Last Update: January 2, 2026 at 10:10 AM.
CASTLE ROCK, MINNESOTA - A Farmington man has been charged with second-degree intentional murder in connection with the shooting death of his girlfriend inside a Castle Rock Township home on Christmas Eve.
Demarco Marquie Jones, 29, was formally charged Monday, December 29, 2025, by the Dakota County Attorney’s Office with one count of second-degree murder with intent, but without premeditation, in the death of Tatianna Marie Ehnes-Giles, 26. The charge includes an allegation that Jones used or possessed a firearm during the offense.
According to the criminal complaint, deputies with the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched at approximately 2:23 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 24, to a residence in Castle Rock Township after a 911 call from the victim’s mother. The caller reported that Ehnes-Giles had been shot in the head by Jones, her boyfriend, and was not breathing.
When deputies arrived, Jones was found at the top of the stairs on the second floor with blood on his hands and the back of his head. He was verbally responsive and told deputies the gun was “in the room.” Jones was transported to a hospital for medical care. Ehnes-Giles was found in her bedroom, lying on the bed with visible injuries to her head. Medics pronounced her deceased at the scene. Investigators located a handgun and two spent shell casings in the bedroom, one near the bed and another beneath the victim’s body.
Deputies were told that Jones and Ehnes-Giles lived upstairs in the home with their two children, while the victim’s mother and brother lived in the lower level of the residence.
The victim’s mother told investigators that one of the children ran downstairs after hearing loud noises and indicated hearing two bangs. Both children later ran back downstairs saying, “Daddy fell.” According to the complaint, Jones initially told her he had been shot before later stating, “I shot her.”
The victim’s brother told deputies Jones asked him to call 911 and claimed he had shot himself, stating he believed the victim had been cheating.
An autopsy conducted by the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office determined that Ehnes-Giles died from a single gunshot wound to the head and ruled the manner of death a homicide.
Sheriff’s Office statement
In a statement released following the charging decision, Dakota County Sheriff Joe Leko described the incident as a devastating act of domestic violence.
“This tragic act of domestic violence claimed the life of a beloved mother, daughter, sister, and friend on her 26th birthday and on Christmas Eve,” Leko said. “We extend our deepest condolences to the victim’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.
“Our highly trained deputies and investigators were tasked with processing a very challenging scene and did so with professionalism and care. We are also grateful to our Dakota 911 dispatchers and first responder partners for their assistance and professionalism throughout this tragic incident.”
Court proceedings
Jones remains in custody at a hospital, where he continues to receive medical treatment. Judge Dannia Edwards set bail at $2 million with conditions. Jones is expected to be transferred to the Dakota County Jail once medically cleared.
His next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 5, 2026, at 9 a.m., in Hastings, Minnesota.
Prior history
Court records indicate Jones has a prior 2022 domestic assault case, which was dismissed in 2024 after completion of the Early Domestic Violence Intervention Program (EDVIP), as well as a fifth-degree assault adjudication as a juvenile.
*Criminal charges are not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Provided by the Dakota County Jail.
Friends and Family Remember Victim as a Loving Mother of Two
A GoFundMe page was established to assist with funeral expenses and to help support the care of Ehnes-Giles’ two young children, according to the fundraiser’s organizers.
The family wrote that donations and shares are greatly appreciated as they navigate what they described as a “senseless tragedy,” and they expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love, prayers, and community support.
The fundraiser states that all money raised will be provided to the victim’s mother, Deanna Ehnes, to help cover funeral costs and assist in supporting Ehnes-Giles’ two children.
The victim is identified on the fundraiser as Tayah Giles, described as a mother, daughter, granddaughter, niece, and friend who was killed on her 26th birthday, December 24, 2025. Court records identify her as Tatianna Marie Ehnes-Giles.
Written by: Will Wight
