A North Carolina mom was killed alongside her 15-year-old child by her older son days after she celebrated his release from prison, police allege.
Da’ron Donta Jenkins, 25, of Wilson, has been charged with two counts of murder in the callous slayings of his mom, Dana and little brother, Daryn.
He was released from prison on parole on March 25 after more than three years behind bars relating to a string of other offenses, including break and enter and larceny.
In an emotional Facebook post on the day of Da’ron’s release, Dana thanked God for her son’s freedom.
‘My baby home,’ she wrote. ‘My mf [sic] baby!! My baby is home!! Lord I thx u.’
She was inundated with supportive messages from loved ones who said they were happy for her family ahead of the reunion.
‘Welcome home, Big D,’ one friend said, while another celebrated her announcement as ‘great news.’
But at 5.30pm on Monday, police responded to a call on Snowden Drive. When they arrived, they found the two bodies, already dead, inside the house.
Da’ron is being held in Wilson County jail with no bond and had his first appearance in court relating to the charges on Tuesday.
Dana has been remembered as a ‘great mom’ who loved God in tribute posts on Facebook
15-year-old Daryn was tragically murdered alongside his mom, police allege
In an emotional Facebook post on the day of Da’ron’s release, Dana thanked God for her son’s freedom
Dana’s cousin Juanilla Kornegay told ABC11 the family was reeling from the tragic loss.
‘I would have never thought that,’ she said. ‘I would never have thought he would do something like that.’
Kornegay said her cousin was a ‘very kind… sweet person [who] always smiled.’
‘I can see her smile right now. She always smiled. She went to work and came home. She took care of her youngest son.’
She said that it ‘really bothered’ and hurt her to think that Da’ron had only just walked free from prison when he allegedly murdered his family.
‘I still haven’t got over it,’ she said. ‘It’s going to take a while.’
Prior to his 2021 charges which he was most recently in custody for, Da’ron was also convicted in September 2020 for violating a protection order and trespassing.
Others have remembered Dana as a ‘great mom’ who loved God in tribute posts on Facebook.
One loved one said even if she couldn’t attend church, she would ‘make sure Daryn’ was there, ‘dropping him off in [her] night clothes.’
Da’ron Donta Jenkins, 25, of Wilson, has been charged with two counts of murder in the callous slayings of his mom, Dana and little brother, Daryn
A North Carolina mom was killed alongside her 15-year-old child by her older son days after she celebrated his release from prison, police allege
Bishop Sherman Blandon at their local Mount Moriah Community Church said Daryn was at church every Sunday and played music
Bishop Sherman Blandon at their local Mount Moriah Community Church said Daryn was at church every Sunday and played music.
He said both mother and son were ‘joyful’ with smiles that were infectious and would ‘light up a room.’
The church later issued a statement about the monumental loss, writing on Instagram: ‘MMCC-Wilson has suffered a heartbreaking loss in our church family. It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved brother, Daryn Cox.
‘His presence and his joy, will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Please keep his family and our MMCC-Wilson family in your prayers as we navigate this difficult time.
‘We are grateful for the outpouring of love and support already shown, and we appreciate each of you for standing with us in this season of grief.’
Wilson Police say the investigation into the double murder is ongoing, and are urging members of the community with information to come forward.
