Dyer County, Tennessee — The Dyer County community continues to carry the weight of a heartbreaking loss as it remembers the life of 18-year-old Daronte Herbert, a bright young man whose promising future was stolen in a senseless act of violence. Nearly two years after his tragic death, the community is finding a measure of closure as justice has finally been served. On November 6, 2025, a Dyer County jury found Deshawn “Money” Gorman and Demauzay “Zay” Jackson guilty of First Degree Murder for their roles in Herbert’s killing. Immediately following the verdict, Circuit Court Judge Mark Hayes imposed a life sentence on both individuals, bringing a long-awaited moment of accountability for the victim’s family and friends.
The courtroom was filled with a mix of grief and relief as the verdict was read. For Herbert’s loved ones, the decision marked a pivotal step toward justice, even as the pain of his loss remains raw. Family members, who have endured years of anguish and court delays, expressed gratitude to the jury, law enforcement, and prosecutors who fought tirelessly to ensure that Daronte’s story was not forgotten.
“Nothing will ever bring our boy back,” one family member said tearfully after the sentencing. “But knowing that those responsible will never be free to hurt anyone else brings us a small piece of peace. Daronte’s light will never fade.”
According to court testimony, Herbert was fatally shot during a confrontation in late 2023, an act that authorities described as both deliberate and devastatingly senseless. The incident shook the Dyer County community to its core, leaving family, classmates, and residents grappling with shock and sorrow. For months, vigils were held in his memory, and the outpouring of love for the young man reflected just how deeply he was cherished.
Those who knew Daronte remember him as full of life, ambition, and kindness. He was a recent high school graduate with dreams of pursuing a career that would allow him to help others. Friends describe him as someone who could light up a room with his laughter, always willing to lend a helping hand or share an encouraging word. He loved sports, music, and spending time with his family, especially his younger siblings, who looked up to him as a role model.
“Daronte had so much potential. He was just getting started in life,” said one of his former teachers. “He had a kind heart and a smile that could turn anyone’s day around. Losing him was a loss for the entire community.”
The guilty verdict has been seen by many as a testament to the persistence and unity of those who fought for justice. Investigators, community advocates, and Herbert’s family members refused to give up, ensuring that his case remained a priority. The sentencing of Gorman and Jackson to life in prison serves not only as punishment but as a solemn reminder of the devastating consequences of violence.
In the wake of the verdict, community members have continued to call for peace and understanding, emphasizing the need to prevent further tragedies like Daronte’s. Local organizations have vowed to strengthen youth outreach and mentorship programs in his honor, hoping to channel the community’s grief into positive change.
As the Herbert family continues to mourn, they take comfort in knowing that their son’s name will live on—not as a victim, but as a symbol of strength, love, and resilience. Plans are underway to establish a scholarship fund in Daronte’s memory, supporting local students who embody his spirit and determination to build a better future.
- Though the pain of his loss will never fade, the verdict offers a sense of closure and justice for a family and a community that has carried this heavy burden for far too long. Daronte Herbert’s memory will forever remain in the hearts of all who loved him—a reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring power of hope, unity, and justice.
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