Crime
22-year-old Kendrick Profit arrested for murder of 8-year-old Diellon Daniels in Swan Avenue shooting
The vehicle was occupied by a pregnant woman, identified as the mother, and her three young children. Remarkably, the mother was unharmed; however, all three children sustained gunshot injuries.
A 22-year-old man, Kendrick Profit, has been arrested in connection with a deadly shooting that claimed the life of 8-year-old Diellon Daniels in what police are calling a “targeted attack.”
Profit was taken into custody and booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on multiple charges, including first-degree murder, five counts of attempted first-degree murder, obstruction of justice, and illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, November 27, in the 1000 block of Swan Avenue near Scenic Highway in Baton Rouge. Several Baton Rouge Police Department (BRPD) units and ambulances responded to reports of gunfire.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a Honda Accord riddled with bullets that had crashed into a tree. An extensive investigation of the scene revealed approximately 60 shell casings, underscoring the severity of the attack.
The vehicle was occupied by a pregnant woman, identified as the mother, and her three young children. Remarkably, the mother was unharmed; however, all three children sustained gunshot injuries.
The boys were rushed to the hospital, with one in critical condition and the other two in serious condition. Tragically, 8-year-old Diellon Daniels succumbed to his injuries.
The mother, shaken by the ordeal, went into labor the following day, November 28.
Authorities noted that Profit has a history of criminal activity, including prior arrests for theft and aggravated flight from an officer.
The investigation remains active as police work to uncover the motive behind the targeted attack and whether additional suspects were involved.
BRPD officials have emphasized their commitment to ensuring justice for young Diellon and his family.
The tragic incident has left the Baton Rouge community reeling, as calls for an end to gun violence resonate louder than ever. Anyone with information related to the case is urged to contact the Baton Rouge Police Department or Crime Stoppers.
Crime
4 Killed in Eden Crash at Carroll and Church Streets, Driver and Victims Identified
Michael Vernon, driver of dump truck involved charged.
A tragic crash in Eden, North Carolina, has left four people dead and several others injured following a multi-vehicle incident involving a dump truck and a utility work crew.
The Eden Police Department confirmed the incident occurred Thursday afternoon at approximately 1:30 p.m. at the intersection of Church Street, Carroll Street, and Park Road.
According to a news release from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP), 66-year-old Michael Ray Vernon of Eden was operating a 2016 Hino dump truck owned by the City of Eden.
While traveling northbound on Carroll Street, Vernon failed to stop at a posted stop sign at the intersection with Church Street.
The dump truck proceeded through the intersection, striking six pedestrians—utility workers contracted through Carolina Power and Signalization—who were performing powerline work in the area.
The dump truck continued traveling north after striking the pedestrians, colliding with an occupied bucket truck before veering off the road and crashing into a ditch.
Emergency responders from multiple agencies arrived at the scene within minutes. Four of the six pedestrians were pronounced dead at the scene.
The deceased have been identified as:
- Douglas Garland Sides, 72, of Summerfield
- Madison Carter, 42, of Sandy Ridge
- William Evans, 35, of Randleman
- Matthew Lockwood, 30, of Winston-Salem
The two surviving pedestrians sustained life-threatening injuries and were airlifted to medical facilities.
They have been identified as:
- Hunter Carter, 24, of Reidsville – transported to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Hospital in critical condition
- Kevin Alexander, 34, of Eden – airlifted in stable condition
Cody Rich, 31, of Reidsville, who was inside the bucket truck at the time of the crash, was transported by ground to UNC Health Rockingham with non-life-threatening injuries.
Michael Vernon sustained minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
He has been charged with a stop sign violation and misdemeanor death by motor vehicle.
Investigators confirmed that impairment is not believed to have played a role in the crash.
Further charges may be considered as the investigation progresses.
The intersection remained closed for several hours as law enforcement officers and emergency crews conducted their investigation.
The area was reopened to traffic at approximately 10:30 p.m.
In a statement, Duke Energy, which works in coordination with Carolina Power and Signalization, expressed condolences:
“We are saddened about the tragic event that happened today, and our hearts go out to the families and teammates of those involved. The safety of our employees, contractors, and customers is the highest priority at Duke Energy. We are working closely with law enforcement officials.”
The NCSHP continues to lead the investigation, and anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact local authorities.