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Thread: Harry Levert Davis Sentenced to 2 Life Terms in 2014 NC Murder of Makayla Pickett and Pamela Pickett

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    Harry Levert Davis Sentenced to 2 Life Terms in 2014 NC Murder of Makayla Pickett and Pamela Pickett


    Makayla Pickett, 14 and Pamela Pickett



    Harry Levert Davis


    March 16, 2015

    DA awaits death-penalty decision in Lingo Street arson case

    WILMINGTON | After announcing last week that the state will seek the death penalty against the suspect in a deadly Carolina Beach arson fire, the fate of another accused arsonist charged with murder in Wilmington is hanging in the balance.

    "The (death penalty) panel has not yet met to determine whether we are going to proceed capitally," New Hanover County District Attorne Ben David said Monday. "Once the case is indicted, we will meet and know within 45 days if it will be on pace for capital murder."

    Harry Levert Davis, 24, is being held without bail in the New Hanover County jail on two counts of first-degree murder, three counts of attempted first-degree murder and one count of first-degree arson. He stands accused of killing two people by setting fire to 1901 Lingo St.

    Makayla Pickett, 14, born blind and autistic, woke her family, but died in the blaze. Her great-aunt and guardian, Pamela Pickett, 51, collapsed and died outside the home after helping three others escape.

    In a newly obtained affidavit in support of a search warrant for Davis' phone, a Wilmington Police Department investigator states Makayla's cousin Shatara Pickett "had a falling out" and fought two days before the fire with a female neighbor. On the evening before the fire, Davis, who was friends with the neighbor, called Shatara repeatedly and tried to arrange for the women to fight again, according to the affidavit. About 4 a.m. on the morning of the fire Shatara was at another location when Davis showed up, and he was "advised to leave," the affidavit states.

    At 5 a.m., a friend who Shatara was with received a phone call from Davis saying Shatara's house was on fire, according to the court document.

    According to the Wilmington Fire Department the Lingo Street fire was reported at 4:30 a.m. A fire was set at both the front and back doors of the small bungalow.

    Investigators believe an accelerant was used in the blaze.

    The Lingo Street fire came just 17 days after two women were killed in an arson fire in Carolina Beach. On March 10, David announced his office intends to seek the death penalty against arson suspect Marshall Hudson Doran, 22. Doran is charged with setting the three fires Dec. 6, one of which was deadly.

    http://www.starnewsonline.com/articl...9757?p=1&tc=pg
    "I realize this may sound harsh, but as a father and former lawman, I really don't care if it's by lethal injection, by the electric chair, firing squad, hanging, the guillotine or being fed to the lions."
    - Oklahoma Rep. Mike Christian

    "There are some people who just do not deserve to live,"
    - Rev. Richard Hawke

    “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
    - Rowan Atkinson

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    Death penalty hearings scheduled for two New Hanover County murder suspects

    NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WECT) - Back-to-back death penalty hearings are scheduled for Wednesday afternoon in two New Hanover County murder cases.

    Marshall Doran, the man suspected of lighting several fires that killed two people in Carolina Beach, and Harry Davis, the suspect accused of lighting a fire that claimed two lives on Lingo Street in Wilmington, will both appear in court Wednesday afternoon according to District Attorney Ben David.

    David said the hearings will both take place on Wednesday with the first beginning at 3 p.m. He did not specify which case will be heard first.

    David said the hearings will determine whether or not the state will be able to seek the death penalty for the two suspects.

    http://www.wect.com/story/28782187/d...urder-suspects
    "I realize this may sound harsh, but as a father and former lawman, I really don't care if it's by lethal injection, by the electric chair, firing squad, hanging, the guillotine or being fed to the lions."
    - Oklahoma Rep. Mike Christian

    "There are some people who just do not deserve to live,"
    - Rev. Richard Hawke

    “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
    - Rowan Atkinson

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    Accused murderers could face death penalty

    NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) -- Two men accused of two tragic crimes both learned today what their fate could be if they're found guilty.

    Marshall Doran and Harry Davis both went in front of a judge Wednesday to determine whether or not they would face the death penalty. The hearings lasted around 5 minutes each. A Judge ruled both men will face the death penalty at trial.

    Prosecutors say Davis set a fire back in December that killed a 14 year old girl and her aunt. It happened off of Lingo St. He is charged with 2 counts of first degree murder, first degree arson and other charges.

    Marshall Doran stands accused of starting those fires in Carolina Beach. 2 women were killed in those fires. He is facing dozens of charges including 2 counts of first degree murder, and 11 counts of attempted murder.

    Death penalty cases require more from a defendant, legally speaking, including extra attorneys, which is why the District Attorney says this decision is being made quickly.

    "That's why we are at a very early stage to try and make this call within 30 days of indictment," said District Attorney Ben David. "So that we can make sure that those resources are in place and that's what we did today."

    As for the next steps, David said it could be some time before these cases go before a judge.

    Neither defendant said anything in court today. Their attorneys did not want to comment on the case at this time.

    http://www.wwaytv3.com/2015/04/15/ac...-death-penalty
    "I realize this may sound harsh, but as a father and former lawman, I really don't care if it's by lethal injection, by the electric chair, firing squad, hanging, the guillotine or being fed to the lions."
    - Oklahoma Rep. Mike Christian

    "There are some people who just do not deserve to live,"
    - Rev. Richard Hawke

    “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
    - Rowan Atkinson

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    Survivor recalls escape from Lingo Avenue inferno

    Dec. 23, 2014, arson fire killed a blind girl and her aunt

    By F.T. Norton
    Star News Online

    WILMINGTON -- On Dec. 23 last year the Pickett family members were gearing up for Christmas in their Lingo Avenue home.

    Before bed, Deseree Pickett, 12, and her older sister Jasmine Sumpter, 18, wrapped and hid gifts for family in Jasmine's bedroom. Grandmother Beverly Pickett, 54, was in her bed down the hall, and Beverly's sister Pamela Pickett, 51, was sleeping in her recliner near Beverly's bed.

    Makayla Pickett, 14, usually shared a room with her sister Jasmine, but decided on this night she wanted to sleep with her grandmother and aunt.

    Since her mother's death in 2012 from Lupus, Makayla, blind and autistic, had become attached to Aunt Pam -- especially when uncle William Pickett, 54, with whom she shared a love of music -- was away at work. On this night, William was working, Jasmine recalled.

    “Around 4:45 (a.m.) we heard a loud banging at my room door.” It was Makayla, she said. “When Deseree opened the door there was just flames in sight everywhere.”

    Through the haze of gray smoke, Jasmine caught a glimpse of Makayla's arms. Then her sister disappeared into the thickness, running toward the front of the house.

    According to police, a Wilmington man upset with another family member who occasionally stayed at the house lit fires at both the front and back doors. The flames quickly ignited the structure and raced through unhindered until Makayla -- up listening to her radio -- alerted everyone.

    Watching for Makayla

    Jasmine said the fire was so large she and Deseree were unable to leave the bedroom. From her grandmother's room, she could hear her Aunt Pamela calling for her, she said.

    Then someone outside broke Jasmine's bedroom window and she and Deseree escaped into the yard.

    Firefighters arrived, and with Pamela helping from inside the house, Beverly -- confined to a bed from multiple sclerosis -- was rescued through her bedroom window.

    Pamela also exited through the window, but collapsed and died in the front yard.

    For more than an hour Jasmine watched for Makayla.

    “I kept asking, if she was OK, if she got out,” Jasmine said. “It was on the way to the hospital when I got the news.

    “They found her in the front (room) of the house.”

    Makayla was pronounced dead at the scene.

    Harry Levert Davis, 24, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Makayla and her Aunt Pamela. The state intends to seek the death penalty when the case goes to trial. Davis remains in custody without bail.

    The aftermath

    The deaths of the always-smiling Makayla and the selfless Pamela who took in her ill niece's children rocked the community. Hundreds of people attended a memorial service for the two and a GoFundMe.com account set up by a teacher raised $11,150.

    With the money, the Pickett family was able to afford burial plots and headstones.

    “I knew 'Kayla had a lot of people that loved her and cared for her, but I didn't know it was that much,” Jasmine said.

    On Makayla's marker at Greenlawn Memorial Park, between the dates of her birth and death, is a drum set -- an homage to her love of playing bongos with her uncle, Jasmine said. Beneath, the inscription reads, “An inspiration to all.”

    Musical notes adorn Pamela's headstone, separated from Makayala's by a bouquet of silk flowers with a solar angel light. The inscription reads, “Forever in our hearts.”

    Beverly is now staying in a convalescent center, and Jasmine and her uncle share a place in Wilmington.

    Deseree, who had lived with an aunt in Raleigh since her mother's death, has returned there.

    The house where a loving family once took care of one another has long since been razed. Weeds now fill the lot, belying the destruction that played out there one year ago today. But nearby, still clinging to the post of a stop sign, crime scene tape whispers of the past.

    The memories still whisper to Jasmine.

    “On Sunday mornings we used to have bible study and just read the Bible and talk about life. Every Sunday it was mandatory,” she said. “I really miss those times.”

    Jasmine has started taking classes at Cape Fear Community College with a goal “to work with special needs kids, because of my sister,” she said.

    And from the looks of her social media accounts, Jasmine is doing fine. She posts the occasional selfie and viral video, she talks about her friends and how her day has gone. But upon closer inspection one can see that the horror visited upon her a year ago still haunts her.

    On her Facebook page Dec. 16, Sumpter wrote simply, “I really don't like December.”

    http://www.starnewsonline.com/articl...NEWS/151229923
    "I realize this may sound harsh, but as a father and former lawman, I really don't care if it's by lethal injection, by the electric chair, firing squad, hanging, the guillotine or being fed to the lions."
    - Oklahoma Rep. Mike Christian

    "There are some people who just do not deserve to live,"
    - Rev. Richard Hawke

    “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
    - Rowan Atkinson

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    May 12, 2017

    Wilmington arson murder trial continued to next year

    By F.T. Norton
    Star News Online

    WILMINGTON -- The murder trial for a Wilmington man facing the death penalty in a deadly Christmas 2014 fire was continued Friday until next year after the defendant was appointed a new attorney.

    Harry Levert Davis, 26, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder, three counts of attempted murder and arson in the Dec. 23, 2014, blaze, that claimed the lives of Makayla Pickett, 14, and her great-aunt Pamela Pickett, 51. Three other family members escaped the fast-moving inferno at the Lingo Avenue home.

    During a hearing Friday in New Hanover County Superior Court, Judge Jay Hockenbury accepted Capital Defender Rick Miller’s motion to withdraw from the case because of a conflict of interest. James Payne and Mike Ramos were appointed as Davis’ new attorneys.

    As a result of the change in attorneys, Davis likely won’t be tried until sometime next year, District Attorney Ben David said.

    David and Assistant District Attorney Janet Coleman are prosecuting the case on behalf of the state.

    http://www.starnewsonline.com/news/2...d-to-next-year
    "I realize this may sound harsh, but as a father and former lawman, I really don't care if it's by lethal injection, by the electric chair, firing squad, hanging, the guillotine or being fed to the lions."
    - Oklahoma Rep. Mike Christian

    "There are some people who just do not deserve to live,"
    - Rev. Richard Hawke

    “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
    - Rowan Atkinson

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    March 16, 2018

    Trial dates set for two outstanding Wilmington murder cases

    By F.T. Norton
    starnewsonline.com

    WILMINGTON -- The statuses of two outstanding Wilmington murder cases were addressed Friday morning in New Hanover County Superior Court.

    Judge J.D. Hockenbury granted Wilmington defense attorney Merritt Wagoner’s motion to be removed from the Johnny Hayes case after Hayes hired another attorney.

    Hayes, 26, is charged with second-degree murder in the Nov. 1, 2016, impaired driving wreck that killed 2-year-old Mason Richardson.

    The toddler was with his mother, brother and father in a car at the intersection of Oleander Drive and Independence Boulevard when Hayes – allegedly high on heroin – plowed into them from behind. The impact shoved the sedan’s trunk into the backseat where the children sat. Mason died from his injuries at the hospital.

    On Friday, Wagoner told Hockenbury he was asking to be removed from the case because in January, Hayes hired attorney Steve Wright to represent him.

    When Hockenbury asked Hayes if he objected to Wagoner’s motion, Hayes said he respected whatever Wagoner wanted to do.

    “I had full intentions for a kind of co-counsel thing,” Hayes said in explaining why he hired a second attorney. “I felt like with the seriousness of my case, two heads were better than one.”

    A trial date is set for Sept. 17.

    Also on Friday morning, the capital murder case against Harry Levert Davis was set for trial in April 2019.

    Davis, 27, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder, three counts of attempted murder and arson in the Dec. 23, 2014, deaths of Makayla Pickett, 14, and her great-aunt Pamela Pickett, 51.

    According to police, Davis was in a dispute with a Pickett family member when he lit fire to the family’s home on Lingo Street in Wilmington.

    Three members of the family escaped unharmed, but Makayla, who was blind, never made it out of the house. Pamela Pickett was able to get outside, but collapsed in the yard and later died.

    Davis’ trial’s has been postponed at least twice before. The last time it was continued was in May 2017 when the capital defender’s office was removed due to a conflict of interest and Davis was appointed attorneys Mike Ramos and James Payne.

    The earliest date Ramos said he was available to try the Harris case was April 8, 2019. Ramos requested such a late trial date because he has other cases set for trial in the interim including a capital murder trial set for October in a double-homicide in Fayetteville; and the January 2019 Wilmington murder trial against James Bradley, a two-time convicted killer who is accused of killing a woman whose body was found after Bradley was named a suspect in the disappearance of another woman.

    Both Hayes and Davis remain in custody awaiting trial.

    http://www.starnewsonline.com/news/2...n-murder-cases

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    Trial begins in 2014 Wilmington murder, arson death penalty case

    by Krys Merryman, Wilmington StarNews

    A death penalty trial began Monday for a Wilmington man accused of intentionally setting a fire that killed two people, including a young girl, six years ago.

    Harry Davis, 30, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder, three counts of attempted first-degree murder and one count of first-degree arson in connection with the Dec. 23, 2014 fire that killed an autistic and blind 14-year-old girl, Makayla Pickett, who never made it outside the home, and her great aunt, Pamela Pickett, 51, who was able to get outside but collapsed in the yard and later died.

    Three other family members escaped the home that caught fire on Lingo Avenue. According to precious StarNews reports, Davis was allegedly in a dispute with a Pickett family member when he set the family's home on fire.

    Beverly Pickett, Jasmine Sumpter and Deseree Pickett escaped the fire. The family members were not immediately available for comment.

    Davis' case has faced several setbacks, leading to the long period of time between him being charged and his trial beginning.

    Capital Defender Rick Miller submitted a motion to withdraw from the case because of a conflict of interest during a May 2017 hearing. James Payne was appointed to take the case. He was not immediately available for comment.

    Due to the change of attorneys, the trial was delayed as the new attorneys needed time to look over the case files and develop a rapport with their client.

    According to District Attorney Assistant Samantha Dooies, there were multiple attorneys assigned over the time this case has been pending.

    "Throughout the duration of the case we have had a handful of hearings that progressed the status of the case," Dooies said. "We have also had the case on a trial calendar for over a year, but we were unable to try it in 2020 due to COVID."

    Preliminary motions were scheduled for Monday morning followed by jury selection.

    https://eu.starnewsonline.com/story/...se/6803884002/

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    ‘I need help’ Jurors hear 911 call from Wilmington woman killed in fire on first day of murder trial

    By Kendall McGee
    WECT

    WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - Opening arguments began Tuesday in the trial for a man accused of setting a fire that killed a young girl and her great aunt just before Christmas in 2014.

    Harry Davis is facing one count of first-degree arson, two counts of first-degree murder, and three counts of attempted first-degree murder. He is accused of dousing the house on Lingo Street in gasoline and lighting it on fire in the early morning hours, while five people slept inside.

    In the defense’s opening argument Tuesday morning, James Payne maintains Davis’ innocence and says that there’s not enough evidence to tie his client to the fire.

    Much of the first day’s testimony focused on the night of the fire and what family and first responders experienced while the tragedy unfolded.

    Fourteen -year-old Makayla Pickett, who was blind and autistic, was never able to escape the house. Firefighters later found her on the living room floor.

    Her great aunt, 51-year-old Pamela Pickett got out of the home, but lost consciousness shortly after making it to the grass. First responders administered CPR, but she died just outside the home.

    The state called four witnesses up first, who are members of the Pickett family. Two of those witnesses who testified today were actually survivors of the fire and told jurors how they woke up in the middle of the night to knocking, and how they remember seeing the flames from the fire and escaping through the bedroom window.

    From there, first responders helped them to the curb where they watched the home burn and police officers pull family members from windows.

    They say the family was very close and they all bonded over a love of music. Pamela was a songwriter, and Makayla loved listening to music and often played on the family’s drum set.

    “It was devastating to know our loved ones passed away,” Tina Pickett testified to jurors. “Experiencing the loss and knowing your loved ones are no longer here.”

    Pamela Pickett died in the fire, but jurors heard her voice in court Tuesday calling 911 for help.

    A New Hanover County 911 supervisor shared records from the night the house burned down and played a recording of the 911 call made by the victim while she was still trapped inside the house.

    Pamela was begging first responders to save her sister who is in a wheelchair and her blind niece, Makayla.

    Family members say Pamela was the one who took care of her niece after Makayla’s mother died. Pamela’s sister, Beverly, survived the ordeal, but was hospitalized for weeks following the fire.

    In the 911 call jurors heard Pamela frantically trying to repeat her address to the 911 operator yelling, “We need help!” and “Please hurry.”

    The entire courtroom was silent as they listened to Pamela’s screams before the line goes dead.

    After lunch, officers who responded to the scene took the stand and told their stories about the night of the fire. Both Wilmington Police Department officers arrived moments after they received the call and say smoke was coming from every crack in the house.

    ”The fire was very loud, cracking and popping,” said WPD officer Scott Solano. “I heard screams.”

    The two officers who arrived on scene first knew the family. They both knew about Makayla’s disabilities and that others in the house also had medical needs.

    Leaders say the trial is expected to last another two weeks.

    https://www.wect.com/2021/03/16/i-ne...-murder-trial/

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    Murder, arson trial continues in New Hanover County

    by WWAY News

    A man accused of setting a fire that killed two people in 2014 is seeing his day in court, and that trial could soon come to a close.

    Harry Davis, 30, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder, three counts of attempted first-degree murder, and one count of first-degree arson in connection with the Dec. 23, 2014 fire that killed an autistic and blind 14-year-old girl, Makayla Pickett, who never made it outside the home, and her great aunt, Pamela Pickett, 51, who was able to get outside but collapsed in the yard and later died.

    According to previous StarNews reports, Davis was allegedly in a dispute with a Pickett family member when he set the family’s home on fire.

    According to the District Attorney’s Office, the state was down to its last 10-12 witnesses on Monday, with the lead detective taking the stand in the afternoon. Additional witness testimony will continue throughout the day Tuesday and into Wednesday morning.

    At that point that the defense can present evidence before closing arguments are made.

    https://www.wwaytv3.com/2021/03/23/m...anover-county/

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    Wilmington man given two life sentences for deadly 2014 fire

    WWAY News

    NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — A Wilmington man who intentionally set a fire that killed two people was sentenced in court on Friday.

    A jury reached the verdict on Thursday, finding 30-year-old Harry Davis guilty of two counts of first-degree murder, three counts of attempted first-degree murder, and one count of first-degree arson.

    The district attorney’s office confirms Davis was given two life sentences for the convictions. The life sentences are to be served concurrently.

    He was also sentenced to 207-261 months for each of his attempted murder charges.

    Davis set a house fire on Dec. 23, 2014 that killed an autistic and blind 14-year-old girl, Makayla Pickett, who never made it outside the home. Her great aunt, Pamela Pickett, 51, was able to get outside but collapsed in the yard and later died.

    “This was about getting justice for Makayla and Pam, and we just thank the jury so much for its verdict,” District Attorney Ben David said on Thursday. “We cannot say enough about the investigative efforts of the Wilmington Police Department who combined with the Wilmington Fire Department to make sure that we had the forensic evidence we needed at the scene to show that this was an intentionally set fire.”

    Three others were able to escape the fire safely. Family members say it’s thanks to Makayla that they are alive today.

    “There are people who are walking this Earth today, her sisters in particular, that are alive because of the heroism of that little girl,” David said.

    During the eight day trial, a jury heard from 36 witnesses and was presented with 300 exhibits. Davis did not testify and his attorney did not present any evidence. Sentencing will take place on Friday, although the district attorney predicts Davis will spend his life in prison.

    “By operation of law, the defendant will never get out of prison,” David said. “Truly it’s life without parole.”

    https://www.wwaytv3.com/2021/03/26/w...dly-2014-fire/

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