A Tennessee man, Marvin Jermane Davis, has been sentenced to 18 years in prison after being found guilty of a violent crime that led to the death of 32-year-old Michael Williams. The incident, which occurred in 2020, involved Davis brutally beating and shooting Williams in what prosecutors called a “really disgusting” act.
Davis, 51, was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The court’s decision came more than five years after the attack, which ultimately claimed Williams’ life four months after it occurred due to the severity of his injuries.
The courtroom was shown disturbing surveillance footage that captured the entire assault. According to Assistant District Attorney Jason Demastus, the video showed Williams, appearing physically impaired, crawling helplessly while Davis repeatedly struck him with the barrel of a firearm.
“There was no hesitation,” Demastus told the court. “He kept firing until he achieved the result that he wanted.” The graphic nature of the footage left little doubt as to the brutality of the act and the premeditation behind it.
The attack took place on January 3, 2020, but Williams succumbed to his injuries four months later. Despite this, the prosecution pushed for serious consequences, arguing that Davis’ actions were calculated and cruel.
Davis’ attorney, Dan Ripper, attempted to shift some blame away from his client, calling the incident a “one-off” despite Davis’ prior criminal record. He argued that Williams had provoked Davis, creating a tense and volatile situation that resulted in violence.
“I don’t think Mr. Davis set out here to violate the laws,” Ripper stated. “You have a circumstance where the victim, not saying the victim caused it, but provided circumstances under which it could happen.”
Ripper further claimed Davis acted out of fear, not malice, but the prosecution rejected that narrative, especially in light of the graphic video evidence shown in court.
Ultimately, the jury found Davis guilty of voluntary manslaughter rather than first-degree murder, and he was acquitted of the more serious charge. However, the court handed down a combined sentence of 18 years—six years for the manslaughter charge and 12 years for firearm possession, with credit for time already served.
Assistant District Attorney Demastus stood firm after the sentencing, maintaining that Davis’ actions were premeditated and entirely avoidable.
The sentencing closes a tragic chapter that began with a horrifying act of violence and ends with years behind bars for a man with a violent past.
