James Davis, a 29-year-old African American man, was found dead in his Austin, Texas apartment on December 2, 2021. Police reported multiple stab wounds and signs of a struggle; investigators say the assailant broke in through a window and that the attack was premeditated.

The Austin Police Department identified several suspects and focused on a 32-year-old Caucasian man named John Smith. Witnesses placed Smith near Davis’s apartment the night of the killing, and investigators reported that fingerprints and DNA from the scene linked Smith to the crime. Smith was arrested and charged with murder; at trial the jury found him guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced him to life in prison without parole.

James’s family later filed a wrongful death suit against Smith and was awarded a substantial settlement. The case spurred local discussion about community safety and calls for increased security in residential areas.

If anyone knew James, saw activity near his apartment that night, or has information that wasn’t shared with police, please come forward.