A North Carolina man who was recently released from prison is now facing two counts of first-degree murder for allegedly killing his mother and 15-year-old brother, police confirmed.
Da’ron Donta Jenkins, 25, was taken into custody following the deaths of his mother, 50-year-old Dana Vanessa Jenkins, and his younger brother, Daryn Cox, at their Wilson, North Carolina home.
Authorities responded to the residence around 5:30 p.m. Monday after receiving an emergency call.
Upon arrival, officers discovered the victims deceased at the scene.
Wilson Police confirmed the familial relationship between the suspect and victims, stating that the tragic incident occurred just one week after Jenkins’ release from prison on unrelated charges.
Jenkins had been released days earlier after serving time for 2021 break-and-enter and larceny charges, with Dana celebrating his return in a Facebook post: “My baby home… Lord I thx u.”
Jenkins was booked into the Wilson County Jail and is being held without bond. He made his first court appearance on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.
Community in Shock
The victims’ deaths have left their family and the local community grieving. Dana Jenkins’ cousin, Juanilla Kornegay, described her as a kind and devoted mother who worked hard to support her youngest son.
“She was a very sweet person, always smiling. She went to work and came home. She took care of her youngest son,” Kornegay said. “I would have never thought something like this would happen.”
Daryn Cox was a student at Beddingfield High School. Following the news of his passing, the school district deployed grief counselors to support students and staff.
— True Crime Updates (@TrueCrimeUpdat) April 2, 2025
WARNING: This post contains descriptions of familial violence & child homicide
Da’ron Donta Jenkins, 25, of Wilson, North Carolina, faces two counts of first-degree murder for allegedly killing his mother, Dana Vanessa Jenkins, 50, & 15-year-old brother Daryn Cox within days… pic.twitter.com/kjpjpLAli3
Bishop Sherman Blandon, who leads a local church where both Dana and Daryn were active members, shared that the victims were well-loved in the congregation.
“Their smiles were infectious. They would both light up a room,” Blandon said. “Daryn was deeply involved in church. He played music and served on the media team. Our teens, our adults, the entire city—everyone is grieving heavily.”
The church announced a special youth service to honor their memory and pray for the family.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have not yet disclosed a possible motive, and the Wilson Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the homicides.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Wilson Police at (252) 399-2323 or Crime Stoppers at (252) 243-2255.
