Trey Ingraham, a 19-year-old African American male, was tragically killed on December 6, 2018, in Daytona Beach, Florida. Trey, a former high school football standout from Palm Beach County, was attending Bethune-Cookman University at the time of his death. He was found shot to death alongside his childhood friend, Jordan Jermaine Paden, also 19, in an apartment at the Jade Park Apartment Homes.
Both victims had been shot multiple times, with Trey's body discovered near the front door of the apartment.
The investigation quickly led to the arrest of Damon Kemp, another 19-year-old African American male, who was charged with two counts of second-degree murder. Kemp had been acting erratically in the hours leading up to the discovery of the bodies, including attempting to force his way into another apartment and leaving a Glock handgun in the grass. He was overheard by police saying, "I killed my friend," but did not specify where the bodies were located.
Kemp's trial revealed a disturbing picture of the events leading up to the murders. On the night of December 6, Kemp shot both Trey and Jordan as they tried to flee the apartment. The motive for the killings remains unclear, with Kemp's family describing him as a promising student who would not have committed such a crime. Despite this, Kemp was found guilty of the murders and sentenced to three life terms in prison.
Trey Ingraham's death left a profound impact on his family and community. His mother, Nerissa Carter Young, expressed her heartbreak and desire for Kemp to acknowledge his actions and be held accountable. Trey had aspirations of becoming a police officer, hoping to show that a Black man could serve his community with honor. His untimely death cut short these dreams and left a void in the lives of those who knew and loved him.
