6-year-old Rocky Mount girl dies after quadruple shooting, father recently released from jail

A man police say shot his 6-year-old daughter, his girlfriend and two friends on Sunday before turning the gun on himself had just gotten out of jail a day earlier.

Records show Daquan Jones, 32, had a history of lashing out at his girlfriend, who police say he killed.

Jones was released Saturday from Edgecombe County jail, according to court records, on assault charges. Hours after his release, lives were changed forever in a murder-suicide that left Jones and his girlfriend, Kiera Massenburg, 27, dead. Jones is also accused of killing their 6-year-old daughter, Zoey.

Zoey died Monday evening from her shooting injuries, according to a family member.

Court documents show Jones was arrested by Rocky Mount police for communicating threats against Massenburg on Nov. 11, 2023. That was exactly nine months before Sunday’s shooting, which authorities said came after numerous domestic disputes throughout Jones’ and Massenburg’s relationship.

In an Edgecombe County report from the 2023 incident, Jones is said to have told Massenburg, “Do you think I’m playing? I’m gonna hurt you.”

Daquan Jones was also convicted in 2019 for assault on a female and false imprisonment.

Additionally, on July 15, 2024, Jones was charged with felony assault inflicting serious bodily injury for allegedly assaulting Massenburg. Police said Jones punched Massenburg in the face during that altercation, knocking out her teeth and fracturing her nose.

Authorities believe Jones shot Massenburg, their 6-year-old daughter, and two friends before dawn on Sunday at a home on Weavers Circle in Sharpsburg. Jones shot and killed himself when Nash County deputies arrived, according to Sheriff Keith Stone.

Massenburg was found dead in Jones’ car after he told friends she was sleeping. Devonte Ricks, 30, and Makyah Page, 27, who were friends with the couple, were also shot. Ricks is in critical condition at Vidant Hospital, and family members said Page was released from the hospital on Monday.

Page’s mom said the woman was shot in the back of her neck, and the bullet went through her face. Page yelled at her 5-year-old daughter to run to safety before she was shot, family members said.

Sunday morning’s shooting came after a domestic violence attack. Investigators said Jones shot all four people then drove away with his Massenburg and their daughter, Zoey.

Deputies said he dropped the girl off at another home then drove Massenburg to his friend’s home on Jamie Road in Nash County, according to deputies.

Nash County deputies found Massenburg dead in the backseat of Daquan Jones’ car at a home on Jamie Road.

A shot rang out, and deputies found Daquan Jones dead in a bedroom from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot. Investigators believe Jones killed Massenburg and then himself. A bullet hole was visible in the window of the home where Daquan Jones took his life.

Wilson County Sheriff Calvin Woodard released a statement on the shooting.

“An incident like this is disheartening to the community and to the families that will endure this pain for the rest of their lives,” Woodward said. “This does not make any sense when you see someone who could’ve taken a second chance in life to change his behavior.

“His actions have restricted a child from having a chance to enjoy life, play with dolls, go to prom and tell her mother that she loves her every day. Prayers definitely go out to the family as the system needs to work more to protect innocent people from gun violence. ”

A GoFundMe for Massenburg had raised close to $18,000 as of Tuesday morning.

On the page, Massenburg was described as a “a devoted mother, a cherished friend, and a pillar of strength for all who knew her. Her child, Zoey, was a bright and innocent soul who brought joy and love into the lives of everyone they met. The bond they shared was unbreakable, and their loss leaves an irreplaceable void in the hearts of those who loved them.”

“It’s like a Lifetime movie,” said Shuan Alston, a friend of Daquan Jones, about the shooting.