A Jacksonville jury has delivered a guilty verdict for Darien Mixson, who was charged with the double murder of Craivon Aiken and Devon Taylor. The tragic incident occurred in 2023, when Mixson was just 17 years old, a high school student at Ribault High School.
The decision was reached on Wednesday, marking a significant moment for the community. Mixson, who is now 20, was arrested following the fatal shooting of Aiken, 20, and Taylor, 19. The two young men were found dead in an apartment at The Square at 59 Caroline complex in Arlington, a particularly shocking crime that left the neighborhood reeling.
According to witness testimony, a woman present in the apartment recounted how she was in bed when she heard what seemed like someone tampering with the door. The next thing she heard were approximately six gunshots, a chilling memory that likely played a crucial role in the jury’s decision. Following the shooting, Mixson was apprehended while driving a stolen vehicle. He attempted to flee on foot but was ultimately captured by K9 officers.
The case also drew attention due to its connection to a notorious 1998 incident involving Craivon Aiken’s family. His sister, Kamiyah Mobley, was infamously abducted as a newborn from a Jacksonville hospital by a woman impersonating a nurse, a story that gripped the nation at the time.
A witness told police that she was in the home at the time, lying in bed, when she heard what sounded like someone rattling the door. She then described hearing around six gunshots. Mixson was later discovered driving a stolen car, and attempted to escape from officers on foot before being captured by K9 officers.
Craivon Aiken’s family made headlines in 1998 when a woman posing as a nurse kidnapped his sister, Kamiyah Mobley, as a newborn from a Jacksonville hospital.
Aiken’s father spoke to First Coast News after his death, and was still in shock at the loss of his youngest son. “Tell your children you love them,” he said. “… parents, fix any problem you have with your kids.”
In addition to the murder charges, Mixson was found guilty of armed burglary and grand theft auto in connection with the crime.
Mixson is scheduled to be sentenced on April 27.
