Davis Found Guilty of Attempted First Degree Murder and Other Charges

12/08/2009
CONTACT INFO: Charles Branson Douglas County District Attorney 785-841-0211 cbranson@douglas-county.com Douglas County District Attorney Charles Branson announces today a jury found Lawrence resident Arthur W. Davis III, 61, guilty of Attempted First Degree Murder (Level 1, Person, Felony), Aggravated Kidnapping (Level 1, Person, Felony) and Contributing to a Child's Misconduct (Level 7, Person, Felony.) The trial which began on Monday, November 30, stemmed from the June 16th attack on his ex-wife and mother of his two children. Davis hatched a plan to have his children beat their mother to death with a baseball bat. The daughter provided testimony during the trial about his plan. Ms. Michelle Davis, the victim, stated, "I am so happy with the verdict, and that my children and I will be able to move forward with our lives. I know the extensive lies and brainwashing that my son was subject to over the last two years. I give my daughter credit for having the courage to step forward and tell the truth. I'd like to thank the jury, the Court, the prosecutors, and law enforcement for all of their work, and various members of the community for the support given in many different ways." Mr. Davis will be sentenced on January 25 at 3:00 p.m. He faces 147-653 months for the first and second charges and 11 to 34 months for the third charge. The case was heard in the Courtroom of the Honorable Robert W. Fairchild, the case was investigated by the Lawrence Police Department and Chief Assistant District Attorney Amy McGowan and Assistant District Attorney Eve Kemple prosecuted the case. -30-

Media Contact:
Cheryl L. Wright - Assistant to the District Attorney
District Attorney's Office
785-841-0211
cwright@douglas-county.com