Da’Ron Donte Jenkins Charged with Murdering His Mother Dana Jenkins and Brother Daryn Da’Shon Cox Just Days After His Prison Release in Wilson, NC
WILSON, NC – A heart-wrenching tragedy has unfolded in Wilson, North Carolina, where 25-year-old Da’Ron Donte Jenkins has been charged with the brutal murders of his mother, Dana Jenkins, and his brother, Daryn Da’Shon Cox. This devastating event occurred just days after Da’Ron Jenkins was released from prison on March 25, 2025, after serving time for breaking and entering, larceny, and malicious conduct.
The incident took place on March 27, 2025, when Wilson police responded to an emergency call at a residence located at 1702 Snowden Drive SE, Apartment A, in Wilson, NC. At approximately 5:20 p.m., law enforcement officers arrived at the scene to find the lifeless bodies of Dana Jenkins and Daryn Cox. Initial reports suggest that both victims suffered fatal injuries, although the exact cause of death has not been officially released by authorities at this time.
Dana Jenkins, who had recently expressed her joy and optimism about her son’s release from prison just days prior to the murders, was tragically killed in what is being described as a senseless act of violence. She had shared her excitement on social media, looking forward to the possibility of reuniting with her son and rebuilding their lives together. However, her dreams of a fresh start were shattered in an unimaginable way. Her son, Da’Ron Jenkins, who had been imprisoned since 2021, is now accused of ending her life just days after his return home.
Her son’s violent actions have left family, friends, and the community in shock and disbelief. According to local officials, Daryn Da’Shon Cox, Dana’s 23-year-old son, was also a victim of his brother’s violent outburst. Cox, who had no known involvement in any criminal activity, was tragically killed alongside his mother. The loss of both victims has devastated their family, leaving loved ones to cope with the grief of losing two cherished family members in a matter of hours.
The Murder Investigation
Authorities in Wilson have been working tirelessly to piece together the events that led to the deaths of Dana Jenkins and Daryn Cox. Da’Ron Jenkins was apprehended at the scene and taken into custody without incident. He was promptly charged with two counts of first-degree murder, and he is currently being held without bond at the Wilson County Jail.
While the investigation into the motives behind the killings is still ongoing, law enforcement officials have not yet revealed any concrete details regarding what led to this violent act. There has been no indication that the victims were involved in any conflict with their son or brother prior to the murders. It is possible that Jenkins’ behavior was influenced by a variety of factors, including his recent release from prison and his prior criminal history, but the police are proceeding with caution as they continue to investigate.
Da’Ron Donte Jenkins’ Criminal History
Da’Ron Donte Jenkins had a lengthy and troubling criminal history, which may provide some context to his actions leading up to this tragedy. Jenkins was incarcerated in 2021, after being convicted of multiple charges, including breaking and entering, larceny, and malicious conduct. According to court records, Jenkins had a history of run-ins with the law, with prior arrests dating back to his teenage years. His time behind bars did not appear to have rehabilitated him, and his violent tendencies seem to have escalated following his release.
Although Jenkins had served part of his sentence and was released on parole on March 25, 2025, just two days before the murders, his parole had been closely monitored. Authorities have not yet clarified whether Jenkins had been receiving counseling or mental health treatment during his time in prison, but it is likely that these factors will be examined as part of the ongoing investigation.
Reports suggest that Jenkins had been struggling to reintegrate into society following his release from prison. Many individuals who have served time in prison face significant challenges as they attempt to rebuild their lives, especially after long periods of incarceration. Whether or not Jenkins received the necessary support during his transition from prison to freedom remains a key question in understanding the circumstances surrounding the murders of his family members.
Dana Jenkins: A Mother’s Love Turned to Tragedy
Dana Jenkins, 48, was described by those close to her as a loving and caring mother who had always put her family first. She was excited about the prospect of her son’s release from prison and the opportunity to reconnect and build a future together. Her posts on social media had conveyed a sense of hope, as she believed that her son’s time in prison would have given him the opportunity to turn his life around.
Unfortunately, those hopes were dashed when Da’Ron Jenkins ended his mother’s life in an act of senseless violence. Those who knew Dana Jenkins say that she was devastated by the loss of her son to the criminal justice system, but she had held out hope that his return would bring positive change. Tragically, she never got to see that hope realized.
Friends of Dana Jenkins have spoken out, expressing their disbelief and sorrow over the tragedy. One friend, who wished to remain anonymous, said, “She was always so hopeful that things would get better. She was looking forward to a new beginning with her son. It’s hard to comprehend how something like this could happen.”
Daryn Da’Shon Cox: A Brother’s Tragic End
Daryn Da’Shon Cox, 23, was the younger brother of Da’Ron Jenkins and had been living with his mother, Dana, in the same apartment at the time of the killings. While Cox had no known history of criminal activity or conflict with his family, he too fell victim to his brother’s violent outburst.
Friends and family remember Cox as a kind-hearted individual who had dreams of leading a better life. His tragic death, along with that of his mother, has left a void in the lives of everyone who knew him. Those close to the family have expressed deep sorrow over the loss of both Dana Jenkins and Daryn Cox, and the sense of disbelief surrounding the incident is palpable in the community.
Daryn’s friends described him as someone who was always willing to lend a hand and had a gentle nature. “He didn’t deserve this. He was a good person. This whole situation just doesn’t make sense,” said one of his childhood friends, visibly shaken by the events.
The Aftermath and Community Reactions
The murders of Dana Jenkins and Daryn Cox have left the Wilson community in shock. The loss of two innocent lives, especially under such horrific circumstances, has deeply affected neighbors, friends, and local residents.
Local churches, community groups, and organizations are offering their support to those who are grieving the loss of Dana Jenkins and Daryn Cox. The tragic nature of the crime has led many to question the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs and the support systems available to individuals who are released from prison. The murders have sparked a conversation about the challenges faced by former prisoners as they reintegrate into society, and many have voiced concerns about the need for better resources and mental health support for those transitioning back into the community.
While the investigation into the murders continues, authorities have urged anyone with information to come forward. The Wilson Police Department is working with state and federal agencies to piece together the details surrounding the incident and to determine what may have prompted Da’Ron Jenkins to commit such a horrific act.
Looking Ahead
The future of Da’Ron Donte Jenkins remains uncertain as he faces two counts of first-degree murder. His trial, when it occurs, will undoubtedly shine a light on the circumstances that led to this tragic event, as well as the broader issues related to the reintegration of individuals into society after serving time in prison.
As the community of Wilson comes to terms with this senseless loss, they must also confront the larger questions about criminal justice, rehabilitation, and the tragic consequences of failed systems. For now, the Jenkins and Cox families are left to mourn, their lives forever changed by an act of violence that no one could have predicted.
The investigation into the murders of Dana Jenkins and Daryn Da’Shon Cox is ongoing, and more details are expected to emerge in the coming weeks.
