MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Court TV/Scripps News Nashville) — A jury recommended that a Memphis man convicted in the deaths of his newborn daughter and her mother be sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 51 years.
The jury’s decision came one day after they found Brandon Isabelle guilty of multiple charges, including two counts of first-degree murder, in the deaths of Danielle Hoyle and Kennedy Hoyle.
Brandon Isabelle at his Oct. 1, 2025 sentencing hearing. (Court TV)
An investigation began when an officer found Danielle’s abandoned vehicle with a broken window on Feb. 1, 2022. Her body was found nearby with an apparent gunshot wound to her head, according to an affidavit.
Danielle’s family told officers that she was meeting Isabelle with their two-day-old daughter, Kennedy.
Investigators testified that Isabelle admitted to luring Danielle to an intersection and shooting her before taking Kennedy and “tossing the child” into the Mississippi River. Isabelle allegedly told detectives in a recorded interview that he killed Danielle and Kennedy because he didn’t want the child, reported WREG.
After their murders, investigators testified that he went to a Walgreens to buy gifts for another girlfriend and then disposed of Kennedy’s car seat in a Walmart dumpster. Kennedy’s remains have not been found.
A sentencing hearing was set for Nov. 12 for the remaining charges of aggravated kidnapping and aggravated child abuse.
DAILY TRIAL UPDATES
DAY 8 – 10/1/25
- LIVESTREAM: TN v. Brandon Isabelle, Day 8 | Baby in the River Murder Trial
- Prosecution asks the jury to sentence Isabelle to life in without parole, while the defense argues for the possibility of parole.
- April Campbell took the stand during the sentencing phase to detail the grief they’ve endured since Isabelle killed Danielle and Kennedy, stating she only got one hour with her 7th grandchild.
- A defense witness testified about Isabelle’s work history and recognition at FedEx. The witness also testified about programs Isabelle has completed in jail since his arrest.
- The jury recommends that Isabelle be sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 51 years for the first-degree murders of Danielle Hoyle and Kennedy Hoyle.
- A sentencing date of Nov. 12 was set for the charges of aggravated kidnapping and aggravated child abuse.
DAY 7 – 9/30/25
- LIVESTREAM: TN v. Brandon Isabelle, Day 7 | Baby in the River Murder Trial
- The defense rested its case after the defendant, Brandon Isabelle, declined to testify. The prosecution stated that they will not present a rebuttal case.
- The State and defense presented their closing arguments.
- The jury reaches a verdict after a little more than one hour and thirty minutes of deliberations.
DAY 6 – 9/29/25
- LIVESTREAM: TN v. Brandon Isabelle, Day 6 | Baby in the River Murder Trial
- Sgt. Jacoba Boyd (MPD) testified about Isabelle’s alleged confession.
- Isabelle initially claimed he met Danielle at a Mapco gas station to exchange baby clothes.
- Changed his account, claiming he met Danielle in a secluded area where she gave him the baby before he left.
- Isabelle then described luring Danielle to the secluded, tree-lined location where he shot her in the upper torso area, then driving to the Mississippi River, where he threw baby Kennedy and a 9mm handgun into the water.
- Boyd said GPS evidence from Isabelle’s phone corroborated his movements throughout the day, from his parents’ house in Cordova to Mud Island, where he allegedly disposed of Kennedy. Video surveillance also confirmed Isabelle’s alleged confession, including his stop at a Walmart dumpster to dispose of Kennedy’s car seat.
- Boyd described taking Isabelle to the river, where he pointed out the location where he claimed to have thrown Kennedy. Searchers found only a baby hat belonging to Kennedy near the water. The infant’s body was never recovered despite extensive search efforts.
- Prosecutors read text messages between Isabelle and his girlfriend, Artesha Stewart, in which Isabelle proclaimed his love for Stewart and lack of feelings for Danielle. Later text messages were sent during the time of the murders.
- MORE: Sgt. says Brandon Isabelle confessed to killing woman, infant
- WATCH: Sergeant says Brandon Isabelle Confessed to Killing Woman, Newborn
- Investigator Jim Byars, Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office (Criminal Investigator, SVU), introduced and explained photos and videos he took of key locations relevant to the crime.
- Took aerial and walk-through photos at Levi and Sedgwick, and other sites, on Sept. 5, 2025.
- Conducted ground and night visits to document routes and scene.
- Collected video of locations including Lakeview, FedEx facility, and Mud Island area—showing things like broken glass, shell casings, road closures, and fencing.
- Identified changes to the area’s infrastructure relevant to the case.
- All images and video were taken on the same day; authenticated for the jury.
- Dep. Eric Carlise, former Memphis PD crime scene investigator, showed video of collecting the defendant’s clothing and swabbing him for gunshot residue in jail.
- Used forensic light source; saw possible GSR on defendant’s pants.
- Collected and photographed shoes, socks (including stained white sock), and sweatpants.
- Performed presumptive blood tests and collected samples for DNA analysis.
- Explained factors that affect detection of GSR (e.g., rain, washing, changing clothes).
- Collected buccal swabs from the defendant for DNA comparison.
- Special Agent Stephen Walczak, TBI Forensic Biology Unit – DNA Analyst, analyzed evidence for DNA and blood relating to the crime.
- Received shoe swab from the defendant’s vehicle; chemical test was positive for blood and DNA matched victim Danielle Hoyle.
- Tested stained sock: positive for human blood, at least two DNA contributors—main was Danielle Hoyle, minor included an unidentified male, defendant excluded.
- Confirmed all forensic samples and DNA profiles for jury.
- Dr. Jeffrey Neuschatz, Professor of Psychology/Cognitive Psychologist, expert in confessions, outlined factors that can produce false confessions and critiqued the interrogation techniques used in the case.
- Explained how coercive interviews (threats, promises) lead to unreliable confessions, especially after lengthy interrogations.
- Noted risk factors for false confession: youth, mental state, fatigue, pressure.
- Stated that even without formal Reid training, officers used coercive tactics described in Reid technique.
- Pointed to specific interrogation threats and promises made in this case.
- Concluded the defendant’s confession was the product of a coercive interrogation.
DAY 5 – 9/27/25
- LIVESTREAM: TN v. Brandon Isabelle, Day 5 | Baby in the River Murder Trial
- TBI Special Agent Michael Garner concluded his cross-examination regarding GPS location data accuracy and limitations.
- Confirmed GPS is not 100% accurate and doesn’t draw lines between points.
- Software maps device location at specific times but doesn’t necessarily map routes.
- Tieasia Ashton (Walgreens employee) reviewed and provided security footage and purchase records to law enforcement.
- Surveillance video showed Isabelle purchase a Hallmark card, a six-pack of Sprite, and Trolli gummies.
- Defendant returned to white sedan in parking lot, which remained there after purchase.
- Two police officers testified about surveillance footage tracked Isabelle’s movements after stopping at Walgreens.
- Security footage appeared to show the defendant dumping items at a Walmart dumpster. A car seat believed to have belonged to Kennedy was recovered from the dumpster.
- Ofc. Keith Crosby (Memphis PD) testified about responding to the home of Isabelle’s parents, who claimed they and their son were receiving threatening phone calls about Isabelle.
- While at the home, Danielle’s father arrived looking for his daughter.
- Crosby learned from dispatch there was an active homicide investigation, detained Isabelle and took his cellphone to preserve evidence.
- With mother’s consent, reviewed Ring footage from the Isabelle home that showed defendant arriving home at 7:59 PM and exiting the vehicle at 10:24 PM.
- Lt. Jennifer Robinson testified that she found an infant hat while searching the Mississippi River where the defendant allegedly claimed to have tossed Kennedy. Lt. Robinson became emotional while recalling the moment they realized they wouldn’t find Kennedy alive.
- Ofc. Lakendus Cole (MPD CSI) testified about evidence recovered from the scene where Danielle’s body was found and residence on Stacey Rd.
- Photographed gray Chevy Cruze on Levi Road with broken driver window and possible bullet damage.
- Documented female victim lying face down, wearing black clothing with orange shoes.
- Multiple shell casings found at the scene.
- Baby in the River Murder Trial: Day 5 Highlights
DAY 4 – 9/26/25
- LIVESTREAM: TN v. Brandon Isabelle, Day 4 | Baby in the River Murder Trial
- Sgt. Charles Winbush returned to the stand, presenting video clips of Isabelle’s interview with the police.
- In one clip, Isabelle says the shooting was accidental and that he pushed the baby in the car seat and it slid down toward the water before throwing the gun and leaving the scene. Officers pushed back, saying it was physically impossible for that to happen.
- Isabelle eventually admits he walked to the riverline and placed the baby by the water, then says he tossed the baby in the water while still in the car seat. He said the infant came out of the car seat in the water, but that he didn’t see the baby float away or hear her hit the water.
- Isabelle said he changed his clothes after the shooting, hiding his jacket in a closet. His shoes, which had Danielle’s blood on them, were put in the trunk of his car and later disposed of.
- Isabelle is placed into white coveralls and shackled, and admits to the police that he had blood on his shoes because he was trying to get rid of evidence.
- Isabelle told officers that he was standing outside the passenger side of the car when he fired four to five times. The car rolled backwards for 50-60 feet after the shooting. He then left the scene, went home to change and then went to Walgreens and Walmart.
- Memphis Police Officer Ronald Blake testified that he was working as a patrol officer in Feb. 2022 and was called to Walmart near the end of his shift. There, he spoke with Ralph Carter, who directed him to a baby carrier on the west side of the building.
- The jury watched Blake’s body camera video, which showed him finding the car seat.
- Special Agent Michael Garner, TBI Special Agent, Digital Forensics Team, testified about digital device extractions, how evidence for this homicide case was processed, the forensic findings from cell phones linked to Brandon Isabelle, Artesha Stewart, and Danielle Hoyle, and the related communications and location history.
- Tasked with extracting and analyzing data from devices belonging to Brandon Isabelle and Artesha Stewart after the homicides of Danielle and Kennedy.
- Reviewed wide range of data including calls, texts, location, media, banking info, and web history.
- Brandon Isabelle’s Phone Location Timeline: Mapped GPS data from Feb 1, midnight to Feb 2, 7am; tracked movement via Google Earth overlays.
- Key Route Highlights: Stayed at medical/hospital area until 7:55am; then moved to oral surgery center (8:15am), remained there 8:17-11:02am.
- Traveled by Poplar Ave, Germantown, Walmart, Brooks Road, and other Memphis sites.
- Was at Walmart multiple times, with detailed routes matching actual roads closely.
- Isabelle’s device at homicide scene (East Levi Rd, near Sedgwick) from 9:02–9:17pm Feb 1st.
- Left scene by 9:23pm and traveled to areas including Germantown, Wolf Creek Pkwy (shopping area), Walmart Supercenter, back to residence, and later to Mud Island.
- At Mud Island boat ramp area at 11:20pm; left at 11:27, went to Walgreens, Walmart, and back to residence by 1:07am Feb 2nd.
- Examined call logs and texts between Brandon Isabelle and Artesha Stewart (“Wifey” in phone, various names in contacts, including “Tiffany Purcell” and “Pudding”).
- Artesha’s phone showed 3 incoming, 6 outgoing calls to Brandon; a missing call found in Artesha’s log not in Brandon’s.
- Reviewed Facetime call to Danielle Hoyle at 10:02:57pm while Isabelle’s device was parked post-homicide scene.
- Text messages between Danielle and Brandon included conversations about the baby, health, and daily events.
- An image was “loved” by Brandon but later deleted, explained how deleted content is recorded in phone databases.
- Native texts included routine conversation, expressions of support, and discussions of medical conditions.
- Artesha’s phone mapped Feb 1, 9:30–11:30pm; started at Stacey Road, traveled north to Downtown, never visited the homicide scene, stayed on North Second Street for an hour.
- Web History on Brandon Isabelle’s Phone: Revealed all browser history deleted, but some items recovered.
- Jan 30, 2022 searches included “Can you tell what gun a bullet came from,” NBA games, and jewelry (Jared.com/couples ring).
- Demonstrated transition between unrelated searches and searches about the homicide.
DAY 3 – 9/25/25
- LIVESTREAM: TN v. Brandon Isabelle, Day 3 | Baby in the River Murder Trial
- Sgt. Justin Smith, who was assigned to the Quality Assurance Unit in February 2022, was responsible for investigating the disappearances of Danielle and Kennedy. He described an “all hands on deck” situation as efforts began to find the child.
- Smith went to Mud Island based on information he received, searching the boat ramp in wet, rainy and cold conditions.
- A grid search was conducted by officers on foot; a water search, drones, a police helicopter and dogs were also brought in as part of the efforts.
- Evidence found at the boat ramp included a small hat found near the water. The area was muddy, making it hard to identify any footprints or tracks.
- Kennedy’s body was never found; police received information that a gun was thrown in the river, but the weapon was never located.
- Memphis Police Officer Dennis Williams responded to Mud Island to take photos and collect evidence.
- The baby cap found near the water was collected, along with baby clothes from the family for the dogs to use for scent tracking.
- No other clothes were found on Mud Island.
- Kyle Bourland, a member of the Oakland Fire Department, was a part of the dive team that was asked to help search for Kennedy and a firearm believed to be in the water.
- The search area was focused on the northern tip of Mud Island, where the boat ramp goes into the river.
- The water temperature at the time of the search was in the low 40s; it was completely dark underwater, and divers could not see their hands in front of their faces.
- The search was suspended due to inclement weather; the dive team returned days later with sonar equipment.
- Neither Kennedy nor the firearm was found during the searches.
- Dive team coordinator Hunter Winfrey was the person who initially received a call about a person in the water. After arriving at the scene, he learned more about the situation.
- Winfrey talked about the water temperatures and rocky conditions along the river bottom, and explained that while an adult body would sink to the bottom, an infant had a greater possibility of floating.
- Andy Tweed, who worked for Tennessee Wildlife Rescue, had experience in performing search and rescue operations for bodies.
- Received a request from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation on Feb. 2, 2022, asking for help searching for an infant and/or an infant carrier.
- The water in the area was higher than normal due to a recent rain event, which had also left the river muddy and cold.
- Only approximately 60% of bodies are found in river searches; it’s extremely difficult to find a body that’s been thrown into a river. Likewise, it’s very difficult to find a firearm that’s been thrown into those waters.
- No evidence was found, despite extensive search efforts.
- Sgt. Charles Winbush, Memphis Police Dept., testified about his role as homicide investigator in the disappearance and murder of Danielle and Kennedy, primarily focusing on his interrogation of Brandon Isabelle.
- Was assigned to interview suspect Brandon Isabelle in February 2022, identified Isabelle in court, and confirmed change in his appearance.
- Explained standard procedure: suspects are read their rights, asked to sign a rights form, questioned about sobriety and mental state before interview.
- Confirmed Brandon Isabelle’s acknowledgment and signature on the rights form; process recorded and entered as evidence.
- Described that initial questioning was conducted while police searched for missing persons and evidence.
- Noted at one point a transcript error, clarifying what could and couldn’t be attributed to Isabelle.
- Isabelle claimed he met Danielle at a Mapco gas station only to exchange baby clothes and left soon after, sent a text but got no response; denied further involvement early in the interview.
- Testified the interrogation was documented in multiple video clips entered into evidence.
- Details included police confrontations with Isabelle about timeline inconsistencies, DNA, and messages, as they pressed for truth about Danielle and Kennedy.
- After repeated pressure and inconsistencies, Isabelle admitted to shooting Danielle and described abandoning baby Kennedy at the river by the gate, alive in her car seat.
- Admitted to disposing of his gun in the river, officers interrogated him regarding specifics about the location and condition of the baby.
- Accompanied officers and Isabelle to site near Mississippi River to reenact events; Brandon indicated, sometimes uncertainly, where baby was left and how the gun was discarded.
- Brandon fluctuated on whether the baby was placed by the water, slid in, or was intentionally sent into the river.
inbush identified receipts and items purchased by Isabelle after the incident: cards, roses, candy, with a timestamp just after Kennedy was abandoned, supporting timeline reconstruction. - Officers repeatedly pressed Brandon about why he abandoned the baby instead of taking her to safety, emphasizing the choices he made.
- Winbush described Isabelle as emotional, contradicting himself.
- Concluded that officers escorted Isabelle back to the station and prepared for further proceedings.
DAY 2 – 9/24/25
- LIVESTREAM: TN v. Brandon Isabelle, Day 2 | Baby in the River Murder Trial
- The victim’s mother, April Campbell, told the jury about her daughter, Danielle, who was working at FedEx and had two children when she began dating Isabelle.
- In June 2021, April learned that Danielle was pregnant. Danielle was excited and sent her mother a picture of the ultrasound. She didn’t remember much about Isabelle’s involvement.
- On Jan. 30, 2022, Danielle went into labor late in the day. April wanted to go with her, but Danielle chose Isabelle to be there instead.
- After they were released from the hospital, Danielle brought Kennedy to meet her mother, and stayed for about an hour before saying she was leaving to see Isabelle.
- Hours later, police came to the door asking who drove a Chevy Cruz and where she was. The police then returned and asked April to describe her daughter, and they left again. At that point, April went to the precinct.
- WATCH: Baby in the River Murder: Victim Danielle Hoyle’s Mother Takes Stand
- MORE: Danielle Hoyle’s mom regrets only getting one hour with granddaughter
- Lead investigator Brian O’Nan testified to his involvement in the case.
- O’Nan testified to photos of the car showing damage and bullet holes.
- Forensic pathologist Dr. Scott Collier performed the autopsy on Danielle.
- Danielle suffered five gunshots and photos of the injuries from her autopsy were shown to the jury.
- An abrasion seen on Danielle’s hip was consistent with a body being dragged. No defensive wounds were seen on her body.
- Danielle’s cause of death was listed as gunshot wounds to the head and neck, the manner of death was homicide.
- Memphis Police Sgt. Cecil Fowler testified to his response to a call of an abandoned car. A tthe time they thought it could be stolen, so ran the tag and then asked Danielle’s mother about her.
- Police on the scene found bullets in the car.
- Artesha Stewart, who was dating Brandon Isabelle at the time of Danielle’s murder, testified.
- In 2021, Stewart was living with her mother in Memphis, and met Brandon Isabelle who worked at FedEx with her. She thought he was single at the time, later found out he was married and separated.
- Stewart also knew Danielle Hoyle through work, and became aware that Isabelle and Danielle had a sexual relationship. She had a verbal confrontation via text with Danielle.
- The couple broke up in Jan. 2022, began seeing other people. Early in the morning of Jan. 31, Isabelle texted while he was at the hospital with Danielle.
- She wanted the defendant to get a paternity test on Kennedy.
- On Feb. 1, Isabelle texted her and shared his location as being at Walgreens. The two arranged to meet at Stewart’s house. Isabelle was not acting normally, texting a lot and on his phone.
- Brought her .40-caliber Smith & Wesson pistol and a lime green bat to Brandon’s parents’ house for protection after learning of threatening messages referencing “Cortez.”
- Brandon’s mother called police; they were transported to homicide office, where Artesha gave a statement and handed her phone to officers for search.
- Police also searched her car and daughter’s belongings.
- Confirmed Brandon usually carried a Glock 9mm on his person (in holster).
- Said February 1st, 2022, first saw Brandon that evening at Stacey Rd.; had seen him briefly earlier in the day.
- Described rocky, on-and-off relationship, she’d often break up; Brandon would want to reconcile.
- Confirmed Brandon was still married, and recently had a child, Kennedy, with Danielle Hoyle; conflict over his commitment and parentage.
- Artesha purchased and brought a DNA test to hospital after Kennedy’s birth to confirm paternity.
- Recapped timeline night of Feb 1st: picked up her daughter, stopped at Brandon’s parents’ house, Brandon was crying about their relationship.
- Noted drama in relationship stemmed from Brandon’s involvement with Danielle and children; caused tension and repeated breakups.
- Brandon contacted her later that night, told her about Danielle’s abandoned car and messages received; Artesha refused to let Danielle’s family come to her house, told
- Brandon to meet them at his parents’ instead.
- She armed herself (gun and bat) after hearing about threatening texts (“hey bitch”) and because she felt unsafe.
- After arriving at parents’ house, police were called.
- A series of text messages and images about their relationship and intentions to marry were introduced as exhibits.
- Sgt. Jason Bledsoe, Memphis Police Dept., Digital Forensics Unit, testified about extraction, processing, and chain of custody for Brandon Isabelle’s cellphone.
- Was given Brandon Isabelle’s iPhone 11 Pro (with SIM) for extraction, using passcode provided by another officer under search warrant.
- Used forensic tools (GreyKey, Cellebrite) to extract data from the device.
- Described standard procedure: extraction, zip file creation, and passing data to analysts.
- The analysis itself was done by a different officer.
- Defense confirmed extraction was simplified because passcode was provided.
- Lt. Joshua Stanley, Memphis Police Dept., Real Time Crime Unit, testified about surveillance and tracking of the white Chevy Malibu (vehicle connected to victim) via city camera systems and license plate readers, along with search and drone evidence efforts.
- Feb 2, 2022: In investigation of missing Danielle Hoyle and baby Kennedy, tracked white Chevy Malibu (victim’s car).
- License plate readers showed car repeatedly crossing A.W. Willis bridge onto Mud Island late at night, during window when victim(s) believed dead.
- Surveillance and stitched videos showed white sedan movements at specific times (10:58pm, 11:16pm, etc.) with minimal other traffic.
- Located possible evidence (baby’s hat) near riverbank while piloting drone search at boatramp on Mud Island.
- Some cameras (including at the boatramp) were inoperative, limiting direct footage of what occurred at the shore.
- Conceded: While strong vehicle tracking evidence, could not directly confirm vehicle was at crime scene due to camera outage.
- Defense clarified limitations: isolated video snippets, darkness, no plate visible on camera (only LPR system), no video at boatramp during event.
DAY 1 – 9/23/25
- LIVESTREAM: TN v. Brandon Isabelle, Day 1 | Baby in the River Murder Trial
- In the prosecution’s opening statement, Assistant District Attorney Dru Carpenter presented the State’s theory of the case and described the events surrounding Danielle Hoyle’s death and baby Kennedy’s disappearance.
- Carpenter set the scene for the morning of February 2, 2022, describing the relationship between the defendant, Brandon, the victim Danielle Hoyle, and another woman, Artesia Stewart.
- Explained Brandon’s motive stemming from his desire to be with Artesia and not have responsibility for Kennedy.
- Detailed timeline:
- Jan 31, 2022: Danielle gives birth to Kennedy; brief meeting with family.
- Feb 1, 2022: Danielle leaves home to meet Brandon, who claims to have baby clothes.
- Defendant convinces Danielle to meet at a deserted location; shoots Danielle, leaves body in ditch, takes Kennedy.
- Defendant changes clothes, disposes baby at Mud Island, texts Artesia and Danielle to cover tracks.
- Police find car, respond to scene, realize the gravity of the situation; defendant attempts to visit Artesia, is intercepted by police.
- Forensics connect blood on defendant’s items to victim.
- Carpenter concluded her argument by urging jury to find defendant guilty after hearing the evidence.
- Brandon Isabelle’s defense attorney, William Dennis Massey, outlined the defense’s stance, focusing on presumption of innocence and the burden of proof.
- Massey emphasized that the State must prove allegations beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Urged jurors to be skeptical and not interpret circumstantial evidence as definitive.
- Massey reinforced doubt regarding the State’s case and asked jury to hold prosecution to strict burden of proof.
- WATCH: Baby in the River Murder Trial: State and Defense Deliver Openings
- State Witness #1 – Officer Cody Sutton with the Germantown Police Dept. (formerly Memphis PD), discovered Danielle Hoyle’s car empty at the intersection of East Levi Road and Sedgwick Streets on Feb 1, 2022.
- Patrolled the dark, high-crime area known for abandoned/stolen vehicles.
- Found Danielle Hoyle’s car parked the wrong way, noticed blood on the side, then discovered the victim’s body; searched for the baby but did not find her.
- Presented photos and bodycam video as exhibits, showing the scene, vehicle, and victim.
- Recalled possibly hearing a gunshot earlier but wasn’t certain how long the car had been there.
- Confirmed multiple shell casings at scene; area has frequent gunfire and bullet holes in street signs.
- No bodycam on initially, but turned on later.
- On cross, affirmed darkness, high crime, no cameras, and uncertainty about number/caliber of casings.
- On redirect, reinforced reputation of the area for gunfire.
- State Witness #2 – ViShawn Cole, Memphis Fire Dept., first responder (EMT) at the scene. Arrived after police and recalled seeing Danielle Hoyle lying in the ditch.
- Assessed victim, determined she was dead; video exhibit showed medical response and called time of death.
- Confirmed medical marks on body were from equipment, not trauma.
- On cross, clarified that declared time was time of pronouncement, not necessarily time of death.
- State Witness #3 – Mario Foster, Memphis Fire Dept. Driver/EMT, responded with Cole to the call.
- Arrived at scene, did not directly assess victim; assisted with identifying her.
- Searched the car and found a diaper bag labeled “Kennedy.”
- Confirmed no baby was present at the scene.
- Later responded to the hospital when Danielle’s mother received the tragic news.
- State Witness #4 – Sgt. Jeramy Cline, Memphis Police Dept., homicide unit, notified family and investigated digital evidence.
- Went to victim’s home to notify Danielle’s mother (April Hoyle) that her daughter had died.
- Searched for and obtained Danielle’s Apple Watch; found screenshot of text from Brandon (the defendant) regarding not wanting to be a father.
- Could not retrieve additional messages due to tech limitations and missing phone.
- On cross, clarified that the message’s date was only known as the screenshot date (Feb 1, 2022); believed message related to Danielle’s pregnancy at five months.
- Couldn’t recall involvement with the other girlfriend, Artesia Stewart, or her interrogation.
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