Crips Gang Member Convicted of First Degree Murder

Prosecutors in DA Charme Allen’s Major Crimes Unit obtained convictions against a Crips gang member who murdered a man in east Knoxville over a drug debt. Ricky Allen Davis, Jr., 32, was convicted of First Degree Murder and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm. Judge Bob McGee imposed the mandatory life sentence for the murder conviction and set the case on March 29 for further sentencing on the weapon charge.

In a three-day trial, Assistant District Attorneys Hector Sanchez and Leslie Nassios explained to the jury that on January 4, 2016, Davis texted the victim, John Kyle, in order to find his whereabouts. Davis found Kyle in front of a house on Wilson Avenue. Following a brief conversation, Davis shot at Kyle five times, hitting him in the stomach, leg, and hand. A friend who was also at the residence drove Kyle to the hospital where he succumbed to his gunshot wounds. Knoxville Police Department Investigator Mike Washam interviewed witnesses, collected cell phone data, and gathered video from a home surveillance system that captured the shooting.

“Gang members will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and can expect to face lengthy prison sentences,” said DA Charme Allen.”The community is safer because of the work of the investigators and prosecutors in this case.”

First Degree Murder carries a punishment of life in prison with the possibility of parole after serving fifty-one years. Unlawful Possession of a Weapon is a Class C felony carrying a punishment between six and ten years. At sentencing, prosecutors will seek to enhance the sentence based on Davis’ membership in the Crips street gang and Davis’ prior convictions for Aggravated Assault and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon. Additionally, while deputies were escorting Davis into a holding cell following the announcement of the jury’s verdict, Davis flashed Crips gang signs in court.

If you have any questions, please contact Sean McDermott at 865-215-2515 or Sean.McDermott@knoxcounty.org. For more information about the District Attorney’s Office, visit our website at dag.knoxcountytn.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.