Saint Cloud Woman Pleads Guilty to Second-Degree Murder
Katerina Markiv admits to the fatal stabbing of 25-year-old Quinton Hughes in a Saint Cloud apartment.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Violence
Katerina Markiv, 24, has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder following the fatal stabbing of 25-year-old Quinton Hughes. Police found Hughes at an apartment on Washington Memorial Drive in Saint Cloud with a fatal chest wound.
Why it matters
The plea concludes a criminal case stemming from a domestic-related incident in December 2025. Markiv admitted to investigators that she acted out of rage despite noting the victim never harmed her.
Katerina Markiv pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and faces a 13-and-a-half-year prison sentence. A second murder charge initially brought against her has been dismissed.
The players
Katerina Markiv
She is a 24-year-old woman who pleaded guilty to the second-degree murder of Quinton Hughes.
Quinton Hughes
He was a 25-year-old man who died following a domestic-related stabbing incident at his residence.
The details
Officers responding to a 4:00 a.m. emergency call at the 1200 block of Washington Memorial Drive found Markiv applying pressure to the chest wound of the victim. Markiv acknowledged to authorities that she struggles with anger issues.
Timeline
December 8, 2025: Quinton Hughes was fatally stabbed.
October 26, 2026: Katerina Markiv pleaded guilty to murder.
January 19, 2027: Markiv is scheduled to be sentenced.
Legal Context
This case follows standard judicial patterns under the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines for violent offenses. It illustrates the typical resolution of serious criminal charges through plea agreements rather than trials within the local justice system.
This case arose from a domestic disturbance in a residential apartment complex. Local residents are reminded that domestic violence resources remain available for those seeking support or safety assistance.
The takeaway
Domestic conflicts resulting in severe violence can have permanent consequences for all involved parties. Individuals struggling with anger management are encouraged to seek professional support before such conflicts escalate.
What happens next
Katerina Markiv is scheduled to appear in court for her formal sentencing hearing on January 19, 2027.
Further reading
For more information on legal proceedings and safety in the area, visit the Saint Cloud Violence section.
