Judge Denies Release for Repeat Offender in Stabbing Death

Thank you for reading D.C. Witness. Help us continue our mission into 2024.

On June 22, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan found probable cause that Garland T. Davis, a repeat offender dating back to 1977, is responsible for the stabbing death of 34-year-old Johnathan Craig.

On June 21, Davis, 65, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in a March 9 incident that occurred on the 1600 block of 17th Place SE. According to court documents, Craig was found unconscious and unresponsive with a stab wound to his neck. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were unable to save him.

Davis has previously been convicted of multiple felony and misdemeanor charges including sex abuse, threatening to do bodily harm in 2011 and first-degree burglary and robbery in 1988.

In the current case, Davis allegedly broke in through a back window in a first-floor apartment and started an argument with one of the those in the room. In an attempt to calm things down, Craig asked Davis to leave; that’s when Davis allegedly pulled a knife and stabbed Craig.

Witnesses described Davis to police on the scene, with one witness later identifying Davis in a photo display.

Despite defense counsel Kevin Mosley’s efforts to cast doubt on the witnesses’ accounts, prosecutors showed body camera footage and presented a 911 dispatch call to support their case.

Prosecutors questioned the lead detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) regarding the investigation that led to identifying Davis as the suspect.

Based on a four-decade-long history of criminal activity, the nature and circumstances of the crime, and a recent, alleged parole violation, Judge Raffinan granted the government’s motion for detention, as Davis awaits trial.

The next hearing is set for Oct. 12.