ST. CLOUD, Minn. – A 23-year-old woman has been charged with second-degree murder following the fatal stabbing of her boyfriend during an argument at her apartment early Monday morning.
Katerina Markiv is accused in the death of Quinton McKay Hughes, 25, after authorities reported a 911 call made shortly after 4 a.m. Hughes informed the dispatcher he had been accidentally stabbed during what he described as a minor disagreement. The call became dire as his breathing deteriorated, leading Markiv to take over the phone to provide information about their location and his injuries.
Officers arriving at the apartment complex on Washington Memorial Drive found Hughes unresponsive, suffering from a stab wound to the chest, with significant blood present. Despite the efforts of emergency responders, Hughes was pronounced dead at the scene.
In interviews with investigators, Markiv recounted that she and Hughes, who had begun dating in October, had spent the prior evening together after he picked her up from work. Markiv acknowledged her consumption of alcohol that night.
According to her statements, the conflict escalated after she expressed her desire for intimacy, only to find Hughes unwilling. This disagreement allegedly turned into a heated argument, with Markiv claiming that something in Hughes’ demeanor made her feel unheard, which frustrated her further.
The criminal complaint notes that Markiv had been holding a knife during the quarrel. She stated that in a moment of irritation, she swung the knife at Hughes, suggesting her intention was merely to scratch him rather than cause serious harm. She described the action as an uncontrollable reflex rather than a deliberate act.
After the stabbing, Markiv reportedly encouraged Hughes to contact emergency services while she attempted to stop the bleeding. She told authorities she never wished for him to die.
Witnesses, including coworkers of Markiv, provided insight into her character. One coworker mentioned that she often appeared irritated or displeased in the workplace. Another recalled a past conversation with Markiv where she expressed that she could become so upset she might physically harm someone.
Markiv was detained at the scene and later taken to the Stearns County Jail, where she remains in custody. A court appearance is scheduled for her on Monday, as the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Hughes’ death continues.