Teen Accused of Killing His Friends: The Case of Damon Kemp

The case of Damon Kemp, a teenager accused of killing his friends in Daytona Beach, Florida, in 2018, is both shocking and perplexing. This story is notable because it lacks the typical warning signs that often precede such a tragic event. Damon Kemp was a straight-A student, a loving son, and a good friend. So, what led to the horrifying events of December 2018? Let’s delve into the details of this tragic case.

Damon Kemp: A Promising Young Man

Damon Kemp was born in New England but raised in Stone Mountain, Georgia. He lived with his mother, Robin Howard, who worked as a security officer. Damon was known for his love of dancing, playing basketball, and his ambition to become a music engineer. He was a straight-A student, well-liked by his peers, and close to his family. By all accounts, Damon had a bright future ahead of him.

The Tragic Incident

On December 7, 2018, Damon Kemp approached police officers investigating a home invasion in Daytona Beach. Out of breath and visibly distressed, Damon made a shocking confession: "I killed my friend." The officers, taken aback, took him into custody. Damon provided no further details, leaving the officers to piece together what had happened.

Fifteen hours later, the investigation led them to an apartment at 434 Jimmy Ann Drive, where they found a bullet hole in the door and a shell casing nearby. Inside, the bodies of Trey Ingram and Jordan Patton were discovered. Both 19-year-olds had multiple gunshot wounds.

The Victims

Trey Ingram, known to his friends as Ace, was a local amateur boxer and a former high school football star. He was a student at Bethune-Cookman University, working towards returning to school. Jordan Patton was Trey's childhood friend, and the two had known each other since elementary school.

The Investigation

According to neighbors and friends, Damon Kemp and Trey Ingram were close friends who worked out together at the same boxing gym. Damon had previously lived with Trey at the Jade Park Apartments but had moved out in October 2018.

Quincy, a friend Damon had met while attending Bethune-Cookman University, provided insight into Damon's recent behavior. Quincy reported that Damon had been acting paranoid and erratic, claiming that people were out to get him. Damon’s behavior had become increasingly bizarre, culminating in an incident where he tried to crawl into bed with Quincy because he was scared.

On the night of December 7, Quincy drove Damon to Trey's apartment. Around 1:50 a.m., another resident, Korea Maktar, opened his door to find Damon pointing a firearm at him. Korea managed to calm Damon down enough to shut the door and call the police. This led to the police arriving at the scene, where Damon made his shocking confession.

The Arrest

At the scene, police found an unloaded .40 caliber Glock, an empty extended magazine, and $400 in cash. Damon was acting erratically, captured on police body cam footage, saying incoherent things about his friend Trey Ingram.

Trey's half-sister, Ladoris, provided additional information. She had been playing an online video game with Trey around 1 a.m. when she heard a man enter Trey's apartment. She heard Trey’s dog barking and Trey telling the dog to calm down, saying, "It's only Day Day," a nickname for Damon Kemp. She also heard Trey asking Damon why he was pacing back and forth.

The Autopsy and Charges

Autopsies revealed that Trey Ingram had been shot four times, while Jordan Patton had been shot six times. Damon Kemp was held at the police station until charges were filed. He was charged with two counts of second-degree murder and burglary with assault for a separate incident the day before.

During his first court appearance, Damon's erratic behavior continued. He shouted and made incoherent statements, leading many to speculate whether he was mentally ill or under the influence of substances at the time of the crime.

Substance Influence and Mental Health Concerns

A few days later, Damon admitted in a jail phone call that he was high on substances when he committed the crime. He claimed he only remembered smoking weed and suggested there might have been something else in it. Damon denied having any mental illnesses but was held in the psychiatric part of the jail.

Controversy and Doubts

Jordan Patton's father expressed doubts about Damon's guilt. He believed that someone else might have committed the crime, accusing the police of not thoroughly investigating the case. He pointed out that multiple firearms were found at the scene and suggested that there were more people in the apartment that night.

Current Status

Damon Kemp remained in custody, awaiting trial. In February 2019, he attempted to fire his public defender and represent himself, a move often seen in individuals experiencing severe mental health issues. His mother, Robin, pleaded with the court not to allow this, and Damon eventually withdrew his request.

Case Updates

Since the initial investigation, there have been several developments. Damon's defense team requested a comprehensive psychological evaluation to determine his mental state at the time of the crime. Preliminary results suggested that Damon might have been suffering from untreated mental health issues, potentially exacerbated by substance use.

In late 2023, a judge ruled that Damon was fit to stand trial, despite the defense's arguments about his mental state. The trial was set to begin in early 2024, with both the prosecution and defense preparing their cases. The prosecution focused on the evidence found at the scene and Damon's own confession, while the defense emphasized Damon's mental health and the possibility of drug influence.

The Trial and Conviction

In early 2024, Damon Kemp's trial began. The prosecution presented a compelling case, highlighting Damon's confession, the forensic evidence from the crime scene, and witness testimonies. They argued that Damon’s actions were premeditated and deliberate, pointing to the fact that he had brought a firearm to the apartment and had been acting paranoid and erratic in the days leading up to the murders.

The defense, on the other hand, argued that Damon was under the influence of substances and suffering from severe mental health issues at the time of the crime. They presented evidence of his paranoid behavior, including testimonies from Quincy and other friends who had witnessed his erratic actions. The defense also called on mental health experts who testified about Damon's deteriorating mental state.

Despite the defense's arguments, the jury found the evidence against Damon overwhelming. After deliberating for several days, they returned a guilty verdict on all charges. Damon Kemp was convicted of two counts of second-degree murder and burglary with assault.

Sentencing

Following his conviction, Damon Kemp was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The judge emphasized the severity of the crime and the impact it had on the families of Trey Ingram and Jordan Patton. In his sentencing remarks, the judge noted the tragic loss of two young lives and the pain and suffering experienced by their families and friends.

Conclusion

As Damon begins his life sentence, the families of Trey Ingram and Jordan Patton continue to grieve their loss and seek closure.

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