St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office detectives have arrested Derrick Walden, 43, in connection with the November 27, 2023, shooting deaths of Cody Bennett, 21, and Tre’ Lyons, 22. Walden is facing two counts of first-degree murder following an extensive investigation spanning nearly two years.
On the night of the incident, deputies responded to a vehicle crash near Pearl and North Orange Streets in West Augustine. Upon arrival, they discovered Bennett and Lyons shot to death inside the vehicle. Initial interviews and evidence collection indicated the murders were premeditated and connected to a planned drug transaction. Investigators determined that Bennett had arranged to meet Walden to sell marijuana.
Through meticulous detective work, SJSO reviewed surveillance footage showing a person walking to and fleeing from the crash scene around the time of the murders. Additionally, Bennett’s cellphone revealed communications with Walden just before the shooting.
Walden had previously been under investigation by SJSO for unrelated narcotics offenses. In January 2024, SJSO SWAT executed a search warrant at his residence. Officers recovered several items relevant to the homicide investigation, including a photo of the suspected murder weapon. The firearm itself was later recovered from a nearby pond. As a convicted felon, Walden is prohibited from possessing firearms and is currently serving time in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The investigation into the murders involved close coordination with the State Attorney’s Office, Florida’s 7th Circuit, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI – Jacksonville, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Evidence gathered from these efforts has linked Walden conclusively to the murders.
Following a St. Johns County grand jury indictment, Walden was charged with two counts of first-degree murder. Authorities plan to transport him back to Florida to face these charges in state court.
Sheriff Robert Hardwick commented on the case, saying, “The murders of Tre Lyons and Cody Bennett have impacted our community tremendously. 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.”
The investigation remains ongoing, and detectives continue to seek additional information. Members of the public with information are urged to contact the SJSO at crimetips@sjso.org, call (904) 824-8304, or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-888-277-TIPS (8477).
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