Suspect arrested in gruesome Daytona Beach Arson-Murder case.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

The Daytona Beach Police Department has officially identified the man accused of brutally murdering a 30-year-old mother, Den’Jah Moore, and her 10-month-old son. The heinous crime unfolded on Tuesday when Daytona Beach fire officials responded to the 1200 block of Beville Road at the Countryside Apartment complex in response to a fire around midnight. When the medical examiner arrived on the scene, it was determined that the mother had been stabbed multiple times. Moore had two other children, aged 4 and 5, who managed to escape the blaze but are currently in critical condition at Shands Hospital in Gainesville.

At a press conference held on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young identified the alleged perpetrator as 34-year-old Charles Leon Ivy, the father of Moore's older children. Ivy now faces a litany of charges, including two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of attempted murder, and charges related to first-degree arson.

Chief Young expressed the profound gravity of the situation, labeling it as the "most horrendous and horrific crime I've experienced in my entire career." He added, "The defendant in this incident deserves a special place in the gates of hell."

With the help of the Ormond Beach Police Department, a traffic stop was conducted as Ivy left his residence in Ormond Beach, which led to his arrest. During the traffic stop, a woman accompanied Ivy in his vehicle; however, she fully cooperated with authorities and is not currently facing any charges.

According to authorities, Ivy did not confess to the crime. However, through meticulous use of technology and analysis of traffic camera footage, Ivy's vehicle was caught on camera leaving the scene. Additionally, Ivy was found in possession of Moore's cell phone, providing damning evidence against him.

Further revelations into Ivy's background indicate a minimal criminal history, including past traffic violations, charges related to marijuana possession, and accusations of domestic violence involving a previous girlfriend in 2016. Notably, in 2020, Ivy was named as a suspect in a child abuse case against one of the children, but there were no charges filed.

Chief Young commended the first responders for their swift actions in saving the lives of the surviving children. The Daytona Beach Police Department is still investigating this incident as Ivy's motive behind this heinous act is unclear.