Marvin Jermane Davis, 51, has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for the fatal shooting and beating of Michael Williams, a crime prosecutors described as “really disgusting.” The incident occurred on January 3, 2020, and Williams died months later from the injuries inflicted by Davis.
The Crime and Courtroom Evidence
Davis was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, more than five years after the crime. According to prosecutors, surveillance footage captured the brutal act in detail.
Assistant District Attorney Jason Demastus told the court that the video showed Williams, who appeared to be disabled and unable to move his legs, crawling and grasping at Davis. Despite Williams’ apparent helplessness, Davis continued to strike him with the barrel of the gun without hesitation.
“There was no hesitation. He kept firing until he achieved the result that he wanted,” Demastus said in court, highlighting the unrelenting nature of the attack.
Defense Argument
Davis’ defense attorney, Dan Ripper, acknowledged the video evidence but argued that the incident was a “one-off” event. Ripper suggested that Williams had provoked Davis, creating circumstances that led to the violent outburst.
He argued that while Davis’ criminal history was extensive, he did not set out to commit a crime that day and acted out of fear.
The Trial and Sentencing
Despite the defense’s argument, the jury found Davis guilty of voluntary manslaughter but acquitted him of first-degree murder. The video evidence was crucial in securing the conviction, and Demastus maintained that the crime was premeditated.
The judge sentenced Davis to 18 years in prison, consisting of six years for voluntary manslaughter and 12 years for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, with credit for time served.
Reactions to the Verdict
Prosecutors and the court had little doubt about the severity of the crime, with Demastus describing it as “really disgusting.” The brutal nature of the attack on a defenseless man left a lasting impact on the court, despite the defense’s claims of provocation.
