Ellis County Sheriff’s Office Brad Norman, Sheriff

Ref: Case# 25.010345 – Murder

Red Oak, TX — On Sunday, May 25, 2025, at approximately 12:05 p.m., deputies from the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the 100 block of Ridge Oak Drive in Red Oak, Ellis County, Texas, following a report of a deceased individual.

Upon arrival, deputies found a 58-year-old woman, Stephanie Easter, from Red Oak, Texas, who had sustained an apparent gunshot wound. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The area was secured, and an investigation was promptly initiated by the Criminal Investigations Division.

Based on evidence collected from the scene and the ongoing investigation, investigators developed probable cause to charge the victim’s biological son, Dwight Xavier Jones Jr., a 20-year-old, with murder in connection with the shooting death. Jones was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Wayne McCollum Detention Center, where he is awaiting arraignment.

This case remains open and active. The Ellis County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division is committed to pursuing all evidence, leads, and witness statements to ensure that justice is served. Investigators are continuing to follow up on all aspects of the case, and additional updates will be provided as necessary.

Anyone with information that may assist in this case is strongly encouraged to contact Case Agent Jeremiah Banks with the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division at 972.825.4929.

Thank you, Sheriff Brad Norman