MACOMB COUNTY, Mich. – A Clinton Township man will spend at least 40 years in prison for shooting and killing his girlfriend in front of their child, officials said.
Jaion Barnes, 25, was sentenced by Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Matthew P. Sabaugh on Thursday after a jury convicted him in February of second-degree murder in the 2024 death of 23-year-old Tianna Ross.
Recommended Videos
Sentence
According to a release from the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office, Barnes was sentenced to the following:
- Count 1 – Second-Degree Murder: 40 to 60 years in the Michigan Department of Corrections
- Count 2 – Felony Firearm: 2 years, to be served consecutively and before the murder sentence
- Count 3 – Possession of a Firearm by a Felon: 365 days in the Macomb County Jail, with credit for 800 days already served
Barnes was also ordered to pay more than $9,000 in restitution and is prohibited from contacting the complaining witness.
Background
On Jan. 15, 2024, Ross went to Barnes’ home to drop off their child. Barnes shot her multiple times in front of their 2-year-old and fled. He later turned himself in.
Prosecutor: ‘Tragic and senseless act’
“Today’s outcome delivers a measure of justice for a horrific crime. The defendant will serve a lengthy prison sentence,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido. “His actions took the life of his girlfriend, the mother of his child, and in doing so, forever altered the course of multiple lives, including that of a child now left without either parent. This was a tragic and senseless act, and our thoughts remain with the child and the loved ones who will endure this loss for the rest of their lives.”