We have a brand new updated website! Click here to check it out!

Fate of Topeka girl’s killer rests with jury

Court

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Prosecutors say a man should be executed for kidnapping, raping and killing an 8-year-old Topeka girl, while the defense is calling for a life prison sentence.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that closing arguments were made Monday in the penalty phase of the trial for Billy Frank Davis Jr. The 31-year-old was convicted last week of 10 counts, including capital murder, in the May 2012 killing of Ahliyah Nachelle Irvin.

Defense attorney Mark Manna says imprisoning Davis for the rest of his life will protect the public.

Chief deputy district attorney Jacqie Spradling’s posted 30 photographs on a TV monitor depicting the battered child, her injuries and her blood smeared in the basement crime scene. Spradling says jurors will know what to do if they look at the images.

————————-

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Defense attorneys have finished making their case that a convicted murderer should be sentenced to life in prison and not executed for kidnaping, raping and killing an 8-year-old Topeka girl.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports clinical psychologist June Cooley of Atlanta testified Monday that Billy Frank Davis Jr. has bipolar disorder with psychotic features and post-traumatic stress disorder. She says his symptoms worsened when he stopped using his prescription medication and began drinking alcohol and using cocaine.

Under cross-examination, Cooley acknowledged that Davis was dangerous.

Davis was convicted last week of 10 counts, including capital murder, in the May 2012 killing of Ahliyah Nachelle Irvin.

The defense rested its case after Cooley testified. Jurors will begin deliberating his sentence after the defense and prosecution make closing arguments.

Copyright Eagle Radio | FCC Public Files | EEO Public File