In a devastating incident, a Florida mother was discovered stabbed to death in the midst of an apartment fire that claimed the life of her 10-month-old baby, while two other children sustained injuries. The suspect, identified as Charles Ivy, now faces charges in connection with this harrowing crime.
Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young, in a press conference on Wednesday, characterized the event as the “most horrendous and horrific crime I’ve experienced throughout my entire career,” as reported by WESH. Young asserted that the crime had a “domestic in nature” origin.
Charles Ivy, 34, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of attempted felony murder, and arson in relation to the incident that unfolded late Monday, as reported by FOX35.
Emergency services responded to an apartment fire at 1200 Belville Road in Daytona Beach, discovering 30-year-old Den’Jah Moore and her three children inside. Moore had been stabbed, and her three children, aged 10 months, 4 years, and 5 years, were rushed to the hospital. Tragically, the infant succumbed to injuries, while the older children remain in critical condition, according to WESH.
The fire, believed to have originated in a bedroom, escalated rapidly, with firefighters finding all four kitchen stove burners turned on inside the apartment, according to Ivy’s arrest affidavit, as reported by ClickOrlando.
During the press conference, Chief Young indicated that he believed Ivy is the father of at least two of the children, emphasizing the domestic nature of the crime.
Police apprehended Ivy during a traffic stop after observing him placing bags inside his SUV, according to ClickOrlando. Young alleged, “The defendant did not confess to what he did, but what he did was he placed himself on the scene.” Ivy was in possession of the victim’s cell phone, and technology allowed tracking his vehicle leaving the area after the incident.
A GoFundMe campaign has been initiated to support funeral and medical expenses for the affected family.
The suspect’s plea status and legal representation remain unclear at this time.