Following a meticulous two-year investigation by local law enforcement and federal agencies, Derrick Walden, 43, has been arrested and charged with the 2023 double homicide of Cody Bennett and Tre' Lyons. Walden, who is currently incarcerated on unrelated charges, now faces two counts of first-degree murder, as stated in a release from the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office.
On a November evening in 2023, Bennett and Lyons were found dead from gunshot wounds inside a crashed vehicle in West Augustine, the grim discovery marking the beginning of a protracted quest for justice; detectives, drawing on witness interviews and surveillance footage, placed Walden at the scene and linked him to Bennett through phone communication recorded just before the murders. "We believe that Cody had arranged to meet with Derrick Walden that night so that Derrick Walden could purchase marijuana from Cody Bennett," Sergeant Gene Tolbert indicated in a video statement by the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office.
During their investigation into Walden for separate narcotics offenses, members of the SJSO Special Investigations Unit found evidence connecting him to the homicides, including a photograph of the murder weapon; the actual firearm was later recovered from a nearby pond, efforts that have fortified the narrative of what transpired on that fatal night.
Walden's history as a convicted felon further complicated matters when another firearm, uncovered during the search of his home, led to a conviction for illegal possession of a firearm and subsequent federal imprisonment; the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office grand jury's warrant now awaits Walden's return to Florida to confront additional grim accusations stemming from the night that left an indelible scar on West Augustine. "The murders of Tre Lyons and Cody Bennett have impacted our community tremendously. I'm proud of the men and women of the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office. This arrest reflects our determination to fight for justice for the victims and their families. Regardless of how long it takes, if you commit a crime in St. Johns County, you will be held accountable," Sheriff Robert Hardwick asserted.
As Walden's case progresses, detectives encourage anyone with information to come forward; those with tips may contact the SJSO directly or provide anonymous reports through Crime Stoppers.
