Raymond Jones sentenced to only 128 months over HCAO argument

Raymond Jones, 66, was sentenced today to 128 months for the killing of Desirae Argueta-Joj on November 5, 2025.

At the sentencing hearing, HCAO prosecutors argued for a 180-month sentence.

Mr. Jones waived a jury trial and chose to have the judge decide his fate. The evidence presented to the court included the fact that Ms. Argueta-Joj's death was caused by one shot through her heart at contact range. Prosecutors argued for a conviction on intentional second-degree murder.

The judge found him not guilty of intentional second-degree murder and guilty of second-degree unintentional murder. With a conviction on the lesser charge, the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office argued for the highest presumptive sentence of 180 months (top of the box). However, the Court instead sentenced Mr. Jones to 128 months, which is the lowest presumptive sentence (bottom of the box).

“My thoughts are with Ms. Argueta-Joj’s loved ones. She should still be alive.

“Mr. Jones is a 66-year-old man who does not take responsibility for his actions. Because of a dispute over $30, he fired his gun at contact range into Ms. Argueta-Joj’s heart. He should have been convicted of second-degree intentional murder,” Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said. “The facts of this case make the verdict, the sentence, and the ways in which blame was apportioned to the victim in court minimize Mr. Jones’ culpability for his actions.”

Case Number: 27-CR-25-28272

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