On February 21, 2025, Chicago's South Side became the backdrop for tragedy as police issued an Amber Alert following the violent events surrounding the stabbing of Teone Jones and her two young sons. The horrific sequence culminated early Friday morning when the 8-year-old boy at the center of the Amber Alert was found safe, but not before the shocking details of the attack unravelled.
The events unfolded on Thursday evening at approximately 7 p.m. when 33-year-old Teone Jones was brutally stabbed multiple times at her home located on the 7100 block of South Eberhart Avenue. Neighbors reported hearing commotion coming from the residence. Emergency responders rushed Jones to the University of Chicago Hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed her identity.
Less than two hours later, at around 8 p.m., emergency calls led officers to the 200 block of West 66th Street. There, they found her 11-year-old son, also suffering from multiple stab wounds to his chest. He was immediately taken to Comer Children’s Hospital and was listed as critically injured but stabilized later.
Shortly after the stabbing, authorities feared for the safety of Jones’ other son, 8-year-old Tristan Gaters, prompting police to issue the Amber Alert early Friday morning. Last seen at around 7:40 p.m. Thursday, Tristan was reported to be with his mother before the attack.
The Amber Alert sparked immediate community concern, leading to active searches throughout the night. By around 4:30 a.m. Friday, investigative efforts revealed Tristan’s location when he was discovered wounded at 82nd and Damen, walking toward help. He was also taken to Comer Children’s Hospital and was treated for multiple stab wounds.
Following the issuance of the Amber Alert, law enforcement agencies worked relentlessly to track down the suspect, identified as Marcus Bausley, 39. Surveillance technology played a pivotal role when license plate readers flagged his silver 2022 Ford Escape around 9:30 a.m. on Friday, leading to his discovery on Interstate 65 near Crown Point, Indiana.
A police pursuit ensued as officers from the Lake County Sheriff's Department and the Indiana State Police tried to pull Bausley over. Police reported he drove southbound on I-65 before they successfully executed their immobilization technique, boxing him in to stop the vehicle.
Upon being apprehended, Bausley reportedly put a knife to his neck, threatening self-harm before officers intervened. He was eventually taken custodied, treated for minor injuries, and transported to the local emergency room for evaluation.
Lake County Sheriff Oscar Martinez Jr. praised the collaborative efforts of multiple agencies involved, stating, "I would like to thank the numerous agencies...to bring a dangerous suspect...into custody." The community remained on edge as initial investigations indicated domestic circumstances surrounding the attack, but police have not detailed the exact motives behind the events.
Both boys are now receiving medical care, and authorities continue to gather information concerning their relationship with Bausley. With the Amber Alert resolved so dramatically and the suspect now detained, questions linger on the familial connections and what led to this tragic incident.
While investigations continue, many are left reflecting on the violent outburst of domestic abuse and its ripple effects on innocent lives. The community remains vigilant, eager for more clarity surrounding these traumatic events.