Court records show pattern of domestic violence in Wilson County murder-suicide case

WILSON, NC (WTVD) — Court documents obtained by ABC11 shed new light on the Wilson County murder-suicide over the weekend that left three people dead, including a 6-year-old girl. Those recordings paint a chilling picture of the relationship between 32-year-old Daquan Jones — the man investigators say committed the murder — and Kiera Massenburg — his ex-partner and one of the people they say Jones killed -a.

Domestic violence advocates say it’s the type of tragedy that shows the need for greater protections for victims in North Carolina.

“What would you do if it was your child? What would you do if it were your sister or mother?” said Christy Melvin, a domestic violence survivor turned attorney. “Think about it from that point of view, because if it was someone close to you you would fight for it.”

Melvin spearheaded the push for Jesse’s Law — legislation that would increase protections for children and help keep them out of abusive situations. The bill is named after her 3-year-old son, who was killed 12 years ago by her partner.

“We have to come together and try to stop all these senseless killings. These children should not be worried if their father or mother will kill them. That shouldn’t be their concern,” she said.

Edgecombe County court documents show Jones was arrested by Rocky Mount police in November after threatening Massenburg, telling her “You think I’m kidding, I’m going to hurt you.” He was also charged at the time with resisting arrest and disorderly conduct after records say he got physical with Massenburg and told officers he refused to be taken into custody.

Last month, records show Jones was arrested again for assaulting Massenburg. The arrest report shows Jones punched Massenburg in the face, knocked out several teeth and broke his nose. Jones was released from jail last Saturday, just hours before authorities say he committed the double murder. Those records also show Massenburg posted the bond to get Jones out.

Now, the community is rallying around the affected families. Pastor James Gailliard of Word Tabernacle Church in Rocky Mount incorporated a tribute to last weekend’s victims into an outdoor service in Wilson on Tuesday. Gailliard told ABC11 that one of the victims was a member of his congregation.

“We’re going to have to be here for the long haul for these families because it’s going to take a lot of support and a lot of intervention and a lot of understanding and empathy and all of us to help them get through. line,” he said.

A fundraiser is planned for Sunday in Rocky Mount at 2 p.m. to help the families with funeral costs.

STOP | Funeral planned for 6-year-old killed in Wilson County murder-suicide