Beaufort, SC: Bond denied for man accused of killing girlfriend and her son

Posted: Dec 14, 2009 6:41 PM EST
Updated: Dec 14, 2009 7:40 PM EST



Beaufort, SC (WTOC) - Bond has been denied for the Beaufort County man accused of killing his girlfriend and her four-year-old son.

Officials say the couple's two-year-old child was also injured. Earnest Daise is now facing two counts of murder and one count of assault and battery with intent to kill, not to mention drug charges.

It was an emotional day for many in the courtroom on Monday as Earnest Daise made his way into court for a bond hearing. Friends and family members of Jeanine Mullen came to show their support for their loved one and to do their part to keep Daise behind bars.

"Facing him was the hardest thing I had to do," said Jeanine's friend and co-worker, Alleen Porter. "He sat in the courtroom with no emotion whatsoever. How can you sit there, knowing you've taken two and possibly three lives."

Investigators say Daise shot and killed his girlfriend Jeanine Mullen and her four-year-old son Walfredo Davis Mullen on the same day he was celebrating his fourth birthday. They say Daise also shot the couple's two-year-old son Jeremiah Daise who is now at home recovering.

It all happened last month at their home on Player Road in Dale. See Suspect arrested in Dale double murder.

After hearing the charges, the circuit court judge denied bond. An outcome many in this courtroom, including Jeanine's father were hoping for.

"I just want to thank the court for denying bond at this time on behalf of the family here, and my daughter and grandson," said Mullen's father.

"I think there's a sense of security, we can at least sleep tonight knowing a killer is not out," said Porter.

But Jeanine's family and friends say what happened on Player Road should have never have escalated to this point.

"I take it one day at a time," said Porter. "I think the family does the same. We all have strong beliefs, all Christians. and we try to forgive, try to keep Jeanine's and Fredo's memories alive; but, as you take one day at a time, you can't help but to think how senseless this was and how this could have been avoided if the justice system had stopped it when it was supposed to."

Investigators say Daise was out on parole at this time of the murders and has a lengthy criminal history, including two pending counts of criminal domestic violence. They say Jeanine Mullen was the victim in both cases.