Convicted murderer Anthony Davis was today sentenced to life in prison for the 2021 murder of 28-year-old Morissa Moniz at his residence in Smith’s Parish.
Justice Shade Subair-Williams ordered the 38-year-old man, from Smith’s Parish, to serve a minimum of 23 years before becoming eligible for parole.
It was revealed during the Supreme Court trial that Davis, armed with two knives, stabbed his then girlfriend 17 times during a relentless, frenzied attack.
Police were said to have arrived on the scene, only to discover the lifeless body of Moniz lying on the floor alongside Davis, who had slashed his own wrists in a failed, feeble attempt to, purportedly, take his own life.
Davis had earlier told the court that he had believed Morris to have been his soulmate, but the Justice Subair-Williams repudiated the assertion, telling Davis, “She was not your soulmate, because if you had any thought of love for this woman you wouldn’t have done what you did.
“You’re not even 40-years-old and you’ve hurt two people in this matter, this woman and your child.”
Added the judge: “The attack was vicious and ferocious, leaving no doubt that he intended to kill her.
“I am satisfied in hearing the summary of evidence from both sides that the relationship between the accused and the deceased was one which was abusive, violent and toxic.”
“While this court cannot increase the tariff of the sentence, based on the appellant’s previous conviction, I’m bound to take this into consideration in assessing the seriousness and gravity of the offence.
“I must therefore also keep the defendants community based sentence, which was imposed on him in Magistrates Court for an offence of actual bodily harm, whereby he caused his then infant child to be thrown or dropped from a window.
“This court must send a clear message of deterrence regarding domestic violence against women, the prevalence of which is increasing and undeniable.”
The incident referred to by Justice Subair-Williams occurred on July 2, 2017, when Davis dropped his seven-month-old son out of a second-floor window.
Davis, who had not been apologetic during the course off the entire matter stood motionless during sentencing, while the Morris family continued to weep the loss of their loved one.
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