Jury Convicts Daireus Ice in 4-Year-Old’s Brutal Kidnapping and Rape

Shelby County, TN – A Shelby County jury has found Daireus Ice guilty on all counts in the 2018 kidnapping and rape of a 4-year-old girl—crimes prosecutors called “a parent’s worst nightmare.”

During the trial, the now 12-year-old victim bravely testified, recounting the assault and its enduring impact. Her mother and brother also provided testimony, while family members remained present throughout the proceedings, steadfast in their pursuit of justice.

Chief Prosecutors Devon Dennis and Lessie Rainey of the Shelby County District Attorney’s Special Victims Unit led the case.

“Although the facts and evidence in this case were especially horrific, I am grateful for the jurors’ service and ability to sit through proof the week rendering the only just result,” said Chief Prosecutor Devon Dennis. “ My hope is that the victim and her family can finally move forward knowing that both defendants will be held accountable. The parents and citizens of Shelby County are a little safer today, now that Dareius Ice has been convicted.

“We are pleased with the verdict and it would not have been possible without the hard work of our team,” added Chief Prosecutor Lessie Rainey. “We hope the victim and her family have some peace of mind going forward.”

Investigators testified that Ice recruited Antoine Wilson—who has already pleaded guilty to all charges and testified against Ice—to abduct the child from her front yard. Wilson sexually assaulted the child while Ice filmed the attack, later leaving her near her home.

The case took years to reach trial because it involved multiple co-defendants, three separate judicial assignments, and extensive DNA analysis.

Ice faces three additional pending cases involving similar allegations.