Red Oak, TX – Son Charged with Murder After Mother Found Dead in Apparent Shooting
The quiet suburban community of Red Oak, Texas, is grappling with the tragic and unsettling news of a domestic homicide that unfolded on Sunday, May 25, 2025. At approximately 12:05 p.m., deputies from the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office responded to a distress call in the 100 block of Ridge Oak Drive, where a woman had been found deceased inside her home.
Upon arriving at the scene, deputies discovered 58-year-old Stephanie Easter, a long-time Red Oak resident, who had sustained an apparent gunshot wound. Sadly, she was pronounced dead on site. The residential area was immediately secured as members of the Criminal Investigations Division launched a thorough inquiry into the circumstances surrounding her death.
As investigators worked through the afternoon, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing forensic materials, a grim picture began to emerge. Authorities developed probable cause to arrest the victim’s biological son, 20-year-old Dwight Xavier Jones Jr., in connection with the fatal shooting.
Jones was apprehended without incident and taken into custody. He was subsequently transported to the Wayne McCollum Detention Center, where he remains incarcerated, awaiting arraignment on charges of murder. The Ellis County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that while the arrest has been made, the case remains very much active and ongoing.
“This is a deeply tragic case that has shaken the community,” said an Ellis County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson. “We extend our condolences to the loved ones of Stephanie Easter and want to assure the public that we are pursuing every available lead to bring clarity and justice to this heartbreaking situation.”
Investigators are urging anyone with information relevant to the case—whether personal interactions, unusual activity, or potential witnesses—to contact Case Agent Jeremiah Banks of the Criminal Investigations Division at 972-825-4929.
Community Reaction and Reflections
News of the alleged matricide has left many in the Red Oak community stunned and heartbroken. Friends and neighbors described Stephanie Easter as a kind and gentle woman, someone who had worked hard to support her family and had been a fixture in her neighborhood for years. “It’s just hard to wrap your head around something like this,” said one longtime neighbor. “She didn’t deserve this.”
While the motive remains unclear at this stage of the investigation, law enforcement officials are exploring all angles, including any previous domestic disturbances, mental health concerns, or other contributing factors.
Ongoing Commitment to Justice
The Ellis County Sheriff’s Office emphasized its commitment to conducting a complete and transparent investigation. Updates will be provided as significant developments arise. In the meantime, the community is encouraged to remain vigilant and supportive of one another in the wake of this devastating loss.
Stephanie Easter’s death marks a sobering reminder of the complexities and tragedies that can occur behind closed doors, and underscores the importance of proactive engagement with mental health and domestic issues before they reach a critical point.
Counseling and support services are being made available to community members affected by this tragedy, with local officials calling for unity and compassion as the investigation proceeds.
