A man in Texas has been given the death penalty for brutally murdering almost an entire family as a 10-year-old girl pretended to be dead and witnessed the tragic event. Xavier Davis, aged 32, broke into the home of Gregory Carhee, 35, and Donyavia Lagway, 29, on June 30, 2021. He proceeded to shoot the couple in front of their three children, including their 6-year-old daughter Harmony Carhee, whom he also shot in the head. The 10-year-old sister of Harmony played dead after sustaining a non-fatal wound, while Davis looted the apartment for valuables.
After the heinous act, Davis made a video call to a woman who allegedly hired him to commit the murders. The surviving 10-year-old girl, witnessing the carnage, managed to secure her 2-year-old brother, locked the door, and called for assistance. Tragically, an autopsy later revealed that Lagway was pregnant at the time of the murder. Davis was swiftly apprehended, charged with multiple counts including capital murder and aggravated assault, and also faced a charge of aggravated robbery for stealing a car at gunpoint before the murders. Initially pleading not guilty, Davis later switched his plea to guilty for the capital murder charges during the trial.
Subsequently, jurors determined that Davis posed a continuous threat to society, leading to the sentencing of the death penalty. The unanimous decision by the jury highlighted the absence of mitigating circumstances that could warrant a life sentence over the death penalty. Furthermore, the trial unveiled the involvement of Alexus Williams, who allegedly orchestrated the murders. Williams, facing charges of capital murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, was in a previous relationship with Lagway, one of the victims.
As legal proceedings continue, Davis has chosen to appeal against his death sentence although he cannot challenge his conviction due to his guilty plea. Meanwhile, prosecutors are focusing on the case against Williams, who pleaded not guilty to the charges. The tragic incident has shaken the community, raising concerns about the heinous nature of the crime and the impact on the surviving children who witnessed the violent acts. The quest for justice and closure for the victims’ families remains ongoing as the legal process unfolds.
Such cases of extreme violence and tragedy underscore the importance of swift and fair justice in society. The impact on the victims’ families and the community cannot be understated, as they continue to grapple with the aftermath of such senseless acts. The sentencing of the death penalty serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of such heinous crimes and the need for accountability in the justice system. As the legal proceedings progress, the hope for closure and justice for the victims and their loved ones remains at the forefront.