Man Accused in Land Park Homicide Was Released from Police Custody in June
51-year-old Troy Davis now stands accused of murder for the killing of a woman and her two dogs in Land Park, California. Davis had been released from police custody just a few months earlier according to ABC 10 News.
Davis was arrested in June on auto theft charges and accused of missing his arraignment. Despite having a criminal record with convictions for violent offenses, he was released on his own recognizance.
Gruesome Discovery
Reporting by the news station indicates that first responders found the body of 61-year-old Mary Tibbits and her two dogs on September 3 after responding to a nearby fire. Troy Davis was arrested the following day on unrelated charges including parole violation and felony warrants.
Davis was eventually tied to the case after security footage showed him “apparently masturbating on a neighbor’s front porch.” On September 7, Davis was arraigned on multiple charges including murder and intent to rape. If convicted, he may face the death penalty.
Released Without Bail
In June, Davis was released without having to set bail in relation to auto theft charges. He had previous convictions for assault with a deadly weapon and robbery as noted by ABC 10 News. Despite his criminal history, he was released into the community.
Prosecutors are pointing to this as an example of the “consequences of zero-bail policies.” Read the full ABC News article “Suspect in Land Park homicide appears in court as zero-bail policies are put in spotlight.”
California had previously tried to end cash bail, but a referendum placed the measure on the ballot. Voters then voted against the bail reform effort. It is unclear whether lawmakers will attempt to pass another similar measure in the future.