Mother, Daughter Stabbed In Domestic Assault; Daughter Dies

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — A man is in custody accused of stabbing two woman at their home in the 5300 block of 22nd Avenue North around noon Friday.

Marqueita Maynard, 34, died from stab wounds outside their home. Her mother, Willie Maynard-Jones, 60, has been hospitalized.

According to St. Petersburg Police, both women arrived at the home around noon and were ambushed by Stanley Jones, 53, who attacked both women with a knife and left the scene on a bicycle. Officers arrested Jones several blocks away within minutes of arriving at the scene.

Jones, who is Willie Maynard-Jones' ex-husband, was wanted for aggravated stalking at the time of the stabbing.

He has been charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, burglary, arson, violation of an injunction and tampering with physical evidence.

Police said there could be more charges filed against Jones.

In the meantime, Lakewood High School is mourning the loss of Maynard, who was the captain of the Spartans Marching Band dancers before she graduated in 2004. Her death came two days before another Lakewood High School alumnus was killed by a mass shooter at Naval Air Station Pensacola.

The high school posted this message on its Facebook page:

"This weekend has been tragic, but it has also shown the heroism and courage of two of our alumni.

Mohammed "Mo" Haitham ran track at Lakewood and was very well known. He graduated in 2018 and went on to join the Navy. Tragically Mo was a victim in the Pensacola Navy shooting Friday, but he is also said to have tried to stop the shooter.

Marqueita "Rae" Maynard was the captain of the dancers in the marching band at Lakewood c/o 04. She also loved tennis and played her whole life, working with kids and teaching them the game. Tragically, Marqueita was a victim of domestic violence defending her mother in an attack Friday.

Our hearts go out to their families at this time. They are true heroes and we will miss them dearly."

See related story: 19-Year-Old Airman From St. Pete Among Those Killed In Pensacola

The investigation is ongoing and there could be changes to the charges Jones
is facing.

St. Petersburg Police would like to remind everyone that there is help for those struggling with domestic violence. The police department can refer at-risk residents to organizations that can help. Call 727-893-7780.