Authorities in Jacksonville are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred Saturday night, leaving a 43-year-old woman dead and a suspect in custody.
According to the Jacksonville Police Department, officers responded around 10:23 p.m. on March 7 to reports of a shooting near Gum Branch Road and Williamsburg Parkway. When officers arrived, they found a woman suffering from a gunshot wound. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
The victim has been identified as Staci Lee Davis, a respected member of the community known for her work with early childhood programs and her leadership at the New River YMCA – Onslow. Dawn Rochelle, CEO of One Place, described Davis as “a light in our community” whose kindness and generosity impacted countless lives. She urged the community to honor Davis’s memory by showing compassion and support to those around them.
Police said witnesses provided a description of a suspect, leading to the arrest of Michael Ray Davis Jr. Officers said he was involved in an argument with the victim prior to the shooting. Court documents indicate he possessed a two-tone Smith & Wesson SW40VE .40 caliber handgun and has a prior felony conviction for involuntary manslaughter, which prohibits firearm possession.
Davis Jr. remains held at the Onslow County Detention Center without bond and is scheduled for his first court appearance on Monday, March 9.
Authorities emphasize that the investigation is ongoing and are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact Detective J. Rankin.
This tragic event highlights the importance of community support and vigilance. How can neighbors and local organizations come together to honor Staci Davis’s legacy while helping prevent violence in the future?
