Doujon Griffiths: Man who killed Florida mom and left her toddler in hot car to die arrested after 2 years

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

LINDEN, NEW JERSEY: After two years on the run, the man responsible for killing a 20-year-old mother and leaving her one-year-old daughter to perish in a hot car, has finally been apprehended.

Doujon Duwayne Griffiths, 23, the defendant in the case, was arrested in Linden, New Jersey, on Friday, March 22, as per Daily Mail.

Police officers pulled him over during a routine traffic stop and discovered that he had two outstanding warrants for first-degree murder.

To provide context, on September 9, 2021, officers from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office located Massania Malcolm’s car and discovered the lifeless bodies of both her and her daughter, Jordania, inside. Officers said the baby died after being left in the hot car while Malcolm was shot by Griffiths.

Grifith had shot a male victim

Police have also linked Doujon Griffiths to the shooting of a male victim, who happened to be Malcolm’s boyfriend and the father of the baby.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office stated on X, “No matter how many years have passed, we never forget our victims, and we hope this arrest brings some sense of peace and closure to our community and the two families shattered by this horrible tragic case."

Two days prior to the discovery of the mother and daughter, police responded to reports of gunfire around 5 am at the 1900 block of Lake Heritage Circle.

Upon arrival, they found a man in his 20s suffering from gunshot wounds. He informed officers that he had been shot by a ‘friend.’

A family member of the unidentified male victim contacted the police, expressing concerns about not being able to reach Malcolm. Subsequently, police visited the couple’s apartment and found it empty, with no signs of foul play.

The boyfriend, who later regained consciousness after surgery, informed detectives that when he was shot by Griffiths while his girlfriend and baby were in the car with him.

According to the sheriff’s office, the male victim recounted to officers that after he was shot, Griffiths drove away in the car with Malcolm and baby Jordania still inside.

What did victims’ family say?

Latoya Reid, the devastated mother of Malcolm, recounted her futile attempts to reach her daughter and her boyfriend, only to receive no response. She mentioned that the couple were helping Griffiths after he moved in with them in August 2021.

Reid expressed anguish upon seeing a car marked with the homicide team after her daughter and granddaughter were discovered deceased. She stated, "I saw a car marked homicide team and my heart sunk."

Upon hearing the news of Griffiths' long-awaited arrest, Reid was captured in an emotional video reacting to the bittersweet development.

Tearfully, she declared, "Friends and supporters and well wishers today, March 22, 2024, I’m coming live to let you know that the police has incrassated Doujon Duwayne Griffiths."

She continued through her tears, "Justice."

The suspect will be extradited to Orange County, Florida, where he will face charges of first-degree murder. Additionally, he may be charged with attempted murder for shooting the Malcolm's boyfriend.