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Mother calls man who killed her daughters a 'coward' in court

Man pleads guilty to killing step-sisters, elderly man
Posted at 1:44 PM, Oct 22, 2019
and last updated 2019-10-23 15:38:33-04

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The man charged with killing his younger step-sisters and an elderly man in Nashville has pleaded guilty nearly two years after the murders.

Queshan Brooks appeared in court Tuesday and waived his right to a jury trial. The state is seeking life without parole on four first-degree murder charges.

Brooks also pleaded guilty to multiple counts of attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assaults and misdemeanor theft. He’s facing multiple life sentences in addition to the other charges.

As the details of the case were read in court today, Brooks' step-mother, Darnykka Daniel, had to leave to compose herself.

When the prosecutor described the moments Daniel's two young daughters were killed Daniel stood up as if she was going to lunge at Brooks. The judge tells her to go outside to collect herself. As she left she said, "You a coward. I saved your life. You a coward. I saved your life. You know that and you killed my babies. Who sent you? Tell the jury who sent you."

Brooks killed his step-sisters, 5-year-old Samaii and 8-year-old Sam'marie Daniel, before carjacking and killing 70-year-old Robert Payne. He was 24-years-old at the time of the crimes.

The incident happened in January 2018. Police tracked him by following footprints left in the snow that night.

The judge decided to schedule a sentencing hearing on December 16 for the murder charges.