Memphis Father on Trial for Murder of Girlfriend and Newborn Daughter

A Memphis courtroom is now the stage for one of the city’s most heartbreaking murder trials.

Prosecutors say 28-year-old Brandon Isabelle carried out a horrific act in 2022 that left a family broken — killing his girlfriend, 27-year-old Danielle Hoyle, and throwing their two-day-old baby, Kennedy, into the Mississippi River.

Investigators say Isabelle lured Hoyle under the pretense of seeing his child. Instead, he allegedly shot her in the head and discarded the infant into the river’s strong currents. Despite massive search efforts, Kennedy was never found. Her car seat was later discovered in a Walmart parking lot, confirming the family’s worst fears.

According to police, Isabelle confessed to the crime — saying he killed Hoyle and tossed Kennedy into the water because he “didn’t want the child.” Court records state he drove to Mud Island, used a boat ramp to throw the infant in, and later disposed of the gun.

Danielle’s mother, April Campbell, has been left to grieve the unimaginable loss of both her daughter and granddaughter. Speaking through tears, she said:

“I want him to suffer like he made my baby suffer. I want him to hurt. I don’t want it to be easy for him… why would you hurt a baby?”

She added that she only held Kennedy once — for just ten minutes — before losing her forever.

Isabelle is now facing multiple charges: first-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping, child abuse and neglect, and tampering with evidence. He has pleaded not guilty.

Opening statements are set to begin Tuesday. Danielle Hoyle leaves behind another daughter, while her family continues to demand justice for both her and baby Kennedy.