Judge Sentences ‘Cold-Blooded Murder’ Defendant With Criminal Past to 60 Years

By Shea Carlberg [former] - August 6, 2024
Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

A homicide defendant with a long criminal history was sentenced to decades in prison by DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe on Aug. 2 following his conviction by a jury. 

On May 2, Eric Davis, 61, was found guilty of first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in the murder of 41-year-old Theodore Riley on the 1600 block of Gales Street, SE on July 19, 2021.

According to the family, Davis was a friend of Riley’s whom he thought he could trust even though Davis suggested to police that he and Riley were discussing drugs the day of the incident.  

At the hearing, three family members of the victim read impact statements, and a letter from the victim’s mother was read aloud. The family members all praised Riley as a great family man, a father to three kids but a person they will never see grow old.

Riley’s sister got emotional as she said he should have been dancing with her at her upcoming wedding. She talked about fond memories of their growing up together and also mourned the chance to be together in the coming years. She said she fights harder because of him.

Riley’s widow said that she did not believe the call she received about her husband’s death and called her mother thinking it was a joke. She described being the head of her household now after her best friend was killed by someone’s “negligence.”

“When you get married you say ‘til death do us part but you don’t think that death will tear you apart,” Riley’s wife said.

Riley’s mother-in-law described how his widow stood in front of his casket for two hours, not wanting to let him go.

The prosecution detailed Davis’ criminal history spanning 40 years, with prior convictions connected to a homicide and multiple assaults of women in the 80s and 90s including rape. They requested Judge O’Keefe sentence Davis to 60 years of incarceration, citing the nature and circumstances of the offense.

The prosecution said Riley was shot in the temple in a “cold-blooded murder.” “This was an execution,” said the prosecutor.

Judge O’Keefe said what the family is experiencing is “inconceivable.” 

“He should never set foot in free society ever again,” Judge O’Keefe said.

Davis’ attorney, Howard McEachern, said charging Davis with second-degree murder would be more appropriate since he is already serving time and deserves a chance to be released in the future.

Nonetheless, the judge sentenced Davis to 60 years with five years of supervised release. In the event he’s ever released, Davis will be required to register as a gun offender.

No further dates were set.