Jordan Paden, a 19-year-old male, was tragically killed on December 6, 2018, in Daytona Beach, Florida. Paden, along with his friend Trey Ingraham, also 19, was found shot to death in an apartment at the Jade Park Apartment Homes on Jimmy Ann Drive. The incident was a double homicide that shocked the local community. Both victims were originally from South Florida and had connections to Bethune-Cookman University, although they were not enrolled at the time of their deaths.
The
investigation revealed that Damon Kemp, a former student at Bethune-Cookman University, was responsible for the murders. Kemp, who was 19 at the time of the crime, had previously stayed at Ingraham's apartment but was asked to leave. On the night of the murders, Kemp shot Ingraham four times and Paden six times as they attempted to flee. Their bodies were found near the apartment's door, indicating they were trying to escape the attack.
Kemp was arrested shortly after the incident and charged with two counts of second-degree murder and armed burglary of an occupied dwelling with assault or battery. During his trial, Kemp did not testify, but he made a statement at his sentencing, expressing that he had never been incarcerated or charged with a crime before. Despite his plea for leniency, the court found him guilty and sentenced him to three consecutive life terms in prison. The judge noted that Kemp showed a lack of remorse and did not accept responsibility for his actions.
The case drew significant attention due to the brutal nature of the crime and the young ages of the victims and the perpetrator. The families of the victims expressed their grief and called for justice, which was ultimately served with Kemp's life sentences. The investigation and trial highlighted the impact of violence on the community and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
