Selma man convicted of manslaughter

By Steven Jones
The Selma Times-Journal
Roy “Little Ray” Ray Davis pleaded guilty to manslaughter Monday before Judge Tommy Jones in the slaying of Benjamin Davis in August 2003.
Originally charged with murder, Roy Davis was sentenced to 15 years in prison for the crime.
District Attorney Michael Jackson said his office had to consider the circumstances of the slaying in determining the proper charge in the case.
“The deceased (was firing) two 9 mm handguns,” Jimmy Thomas, lead prosecutor in the case, said. “(Police) found spent shell casings from a 9 mm pistol and a .380, which was what the defendant was shooting.”
The defendant — of Alabama Avenue — and the victim — of Clinton Avenue — were arguing over a shooting earlier in the month, Thomas said.
He said the motive in the first shooting was over a CD player.
“It was just over nothing,” Thomas said.
The fight escalated and got physical, according to court records.
“This killing was the result of a gun fight that ensued after a physical altercation,” Thomas said.
Roy Davis, 21, and Benjamin Davis opened fire on each other on St. Phillips Street. Benjamin — 24 years old at the time — was hit once in the upper right chest.
No other casualties were reported, Thomas said.
“Fortunately, with all the bullets flying, nobody else was hurt,” Jackson said.
The victim was the brother of another shooting victim, which Thomas said started the argument.
The defendant was seen in the area where the first shooting was reported, Thomas said.
Some court officials indicated the crime was gang related, but Thomas said he knew nothing about that.
“I didn’t see anything that indicated that,” he said.
Jackson said the case was another example of his office’s dedication to fighting crime.
“We will continue to crackdown on these gunslingers,” he said.