Jacob Muzon (17) and Drake Campbell (18), two teenagers charged with murder, attempted murder, burglary, and armed robbery, appeared in court. As the judge deliberated on the matter of bail, an unexpected turn of events unfolded. It was not the judge’s decision that triggered an emotional response, but rather the realization of the gravity of their situation, causing the two teens to break down in tears. These young individuals were part of a five-man group suspected of committing a gruesome home invasion and murder in the tranquil community of Huger.
One of the teenagers, Drake Campbell, had a troubling family history, as his older brother, Kenneth, had previously pleaded guilty to manslaughter charges. The troubled past of these boys extended beyond this recent incident. In the days leading up to their court appearance, Jacob Muzon’s mother pleaded for leniency, while his sister spoke in his defense, describing him as her best friend who had made a terrible mistake.
She acknowledged the severity of the situation but emphasized that Jacob was ultimately a good person. Similarly, Drake Campbell’s family attempted to portray him as a decent young man, rather than a delinquent. However, the prosecution strongly disagreed, arguing against granting bail due to the violent nature of the crime and the substantial effort required to apprehend the suspects over two days with the involvement of four law enforcement agencies.
The fate of Jacob and Drake now rested in the judge’s hands, but their hopes were dashed when they learned that a summary court judge lacked the authority to grant or deny bail in murder cases. Their destiny would be determined by a circuit court judge. Given the heinous nature of their crimes, there was little optimism that the ruling would be favorable, as they were considered flight risks and a danger to society. The details of their actions were chilling. According to police reports, both teenagers were involved in a home invasion that escalated into an execution-style murder.
Kadeem Johnson and his girlfriend tragically encountered the group of five men as they returned home, leading to a series of horrifying events. The couple was forcefully taken into their own home at gunpoint, where the men proceeded to commit robbery and engage in ruthless acts of violence. Johnson was bound with duct tape, forced to his knees, and callously shot in the head. The brutality did not stop there, as his girlfriend was also shot in the hands and chest before being left to perish in a pool of blood. The perpetrators callously fled the scene, stealing the victims’ vehicles.
In a strange twist, three suspects sought refuge in the nearby woods but were eventually apprehended with the assistance of the police canine unit. Jacob and Drake, along with Drake’s brother, were located thanks to a tip from a local resident. After spending two days in the woods, exhausted and defeated, the teenagers offered no resistance during their arrest.
The motive behind these horrific crimes remains unclear, although the theft of a substantial sum of money suggests a premeditated plan. The authorities believe there may be a deeper connection between the victims and the perpetrators, possibly through business or mutual acquaintances. However, concrete answers have yet to be uncovered, and the police are relying on public assistance to further their investigation.
Despite the tragedy, there was a glimmer of hope as Johnson’s girlfriend survived her injuries, although she may not be able to identify her attackers. The police expressed gratitude to the local community for their support and assistance, and they remain hopeful that justice will be served for the two teenagers involved. Two years later, justice was indeed served as Jacob Muzon received a 40-year prison sentence, while Drake Campbell was sentenced to 20 years.
