4 people indicted on murder charges in Volusia County, including a drive-by shooting

Frank Fernandez, Daytona Beach News-Journal
Updated ·2 min read
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Nichole Maks
Nichole Maks

A Volusia County grand jury handed down four indictments in murder cases Wednesday, including against two men charged in drive-by shooting and a woman who police said poured diet Mountain Dew on herself in an attempt to thwart a DNA sample.

Nichole Maks, 35, was indicted on charges of first-degree murder and arson of a dwelling. Maks was accused of stabbing to death Michael Cerasoli inside a Daytona Beach home on July 12, 2023, before setting the second floor on fire. During her arrest, police officers told Maks they were going to take some DNA samples from her. Maks then requested a drink and was given a can of diet Mountain Dew, a report stated. She started pouring the can of Mountain Dew over her head and hair in an attempt to interfere with the collection of evidence, a report stated.

Cory Crooms was indicted on a charge of first-degree murder. Crooms was accused of conspiring in a drive-by shooting near the Bellevue Avenue and South Nova Road in Daytona Beach on May 31, 2023. The victim was shot multiple times and died from his injuries at the hospital.

Jerome Henderson was indicted on charges of first-degree murder (firearm) and possession of a firearm by convicted felon. Henderson is a 20-year-old “Young Guns” defendant and one of the accused shooters in the Daytona Beach drive-by shooting in which Crooms is also charged. Crooms' and Henderson’s co-defendant, Devonte Smokes, was also indicted by the grand jury in June.

Mack Smith was indicted on a charge of first-degree murder. Smith was accused of stabbing a man multiple times near South Clara Avenue and West Beresford Avenue in DeLand on March, 38, 2021. The victim died from his injuries at the hospital.

Assistant State Attorney Heatha Trigones is the state prosecutor for the cases against Maks, Crooms and Henderson. Assistant State Attorney Megan Upchurch is the state prosecutor for the case against Smith.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Volusia County grand jury indicts 4 on separate murder charges