In the winter of 2018, the life of 24-year-old Brianna Rene' Gould was tragically cut short in Fort Wayne, Indiana. On Saturday, January 20, 2018, Gould, who was pregnant with her son, Legend James Gould, was killed in a violent act that also claimed the life of 37-year-old Preonda Monice Jones. The incident, which occurred on Lillie Street, was ruled a triple homicide by authorities, accounting for Gould, Jones, and Gould's unborn child.
The investigation into the brutal slayings led police to Deyante Stephens. He was arrested in connection with the killings of both women and the unborn baby. The community was left reeling from the loss of two of its members in such a senseless act of violence. Friends and family mourned the passing of Brianna, remembering her as a loving mother to her surviving daughter.
Justice for Brianna, her unborn son, and Preonda Jones came in the form of a lengthy prison sentence for their killer. Deyante Stephens was found guilty on three counts of murder. For his crimes, he was sentenced to 200 years behind bars. The sentence was broken down as 60 years for each count of murder, with an additional 20 years for the use of a firearm, all to be served consecutively.
