Da'ron Donta Jenkins, a 25-year-old from Wilson, North Carolina, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder following the deaths of his mother, Dana Vanessa Jenkins, 50, and his 15-year-old brother, Daryn Cox. The incident occurred on March 31, 2025, just a week after Jenkins was released from prison on unrelated charges.
Police responded to a call at the family's residence on Snowden Drive around 5:30 p.m., where they discovered the bodies of Dana and Daryn. Authorities have not disclosed the cause of death or a possible motive, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Family members and the local community are in shock. Dana's cousin, Juanilla Kornegay, described her as "a very sweet person" who "always smiled." She expressed disbelief, stating, "I would have never thought he would do something like that."
Daryn was a student at Beddingfield High School and an active member of Mount Moriah Community Church, where he played music and served on the media team. Bishop Sherman Blandon of the church remembered both Dana and Daryn as having "infectious" smiles that "would both light up a room."
Jenkins appeared in court on April 1 and is currently held at the Wilson County Jail without bond. Records indicate he had been released from state prison a week prior after serving time for larceny of firearms and multiple breaking and entering of vehicles convictions.
The Wilson Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the case. They urge anyone with additional information to contact them at (252) 399-2323 or reach out to Crime Stoppers at (252) 243-2255.
