Minnesota – In a tragic and violent incident in Minnesota, a 23‑year‑old woman, identified as K. Markiv, has been charged with two counts of second‑degree murder in the death of her 25-year-old boyfriend, identified as Q. Hughes. Prosecutors say Markiv’s actions during a heated argument ended in a fatal stabbing, and she now faces decades behind bars if convicted.
Markiv’s charges carry a maximum penalty of up to 80 years in prison combined, with each count of second‑degree murder punishable by up to 40 years. Authorities said that her angry response to Hughes refusing to “have fun,” later clarifying that she meant “to make love,” escalated to deadly violence. Markiv is scheduled for further court appearances on December 15, including a hearing where she will be formally asked to enter a plea.
The deadly confrontation unfolded in the early Monday morning at a residence. Around 4:05 a.m., police were dispatched to the home. Before officers arrived, Hughes had already called 911, telling dispatch that he had been stabbed and that it was due to a “minor disagreement” with Markiv. When police reached the scene, they found Hughes unresponsive on the floor with a severe wound to his chest. Officers noted “an obvious wound in his chest and there was significant blood on him and the floor,” with blood visible around his neck and face as well. Responding officers immediately began performing lifesaving measures, including CPR. Although Hughes initially showed signs of life, he was later pronounced dead at 4:36 a.m. at the apartment. Nearby, officers found an 8‑inch boning knife with blood on the blade behind Markiv, which authorities believe was the weapon used in the stabbing.
During interviews at the scene, Markiv told police she did not mean to kill Hughes. She admitted that during the argument she “swung” the knife she was holding at him, saying that “sometimes people just start swinging when they’re mad,” and that she didn’t realize how close he was when she did so. According to the criminal complaint, Markiv also said she had punched Hughes, describing her punches as “tapping.” Both Hughes and Markiv worked at the same location and had been dating since October. During further investigation, two coworkers told law enforcement they knew Markiv as someone who frequently got upset or angry at work, though neither expected the situation to turn fatal.
Markiv also reportedly told dispatch during the 911 call that Hughes had been stabbed “at his left f—–g nipple,” and she offered apologies to him over the phone. At one point during the call, Markiv struggled to speak, forcing Hughes himself to communicate with dispatch. According to the complaint, the altercation began when Markiv wanted to “have fun” and Hughes declined. She said he “kinda” raised his voice at her during the disagreement, which further fueled her anger. Markiv later told investigators she intended to only “scratch” Hughes with the knife in response to her frustration, but the blade went in much deeper than she expected.
Following his death, Hughes’ passing has sparked a legal process that now places Markiv at the center of a murder case with serious consequences. On Wednesday, December 10, 2025, Markiv made her first appearance in court. She was formally charged with two counts of second‑degree murder, each carrying a maximum potential sentence of 40 years — meaning she could face up to 80 years in prison if convicted. The sad, sudden loss of Hughes — over what began as a disagreement and ended in violence — has shocked the community. In the early morning stillness, a “minor disagreement” turned tragic when anger and a knife swung in rage cost a young man his life. Now the legal system will determine the consequences for the woman whose actions brought that life to an end.
