Episode 58. FORT BENNING: Richard Davis
Ep58: FORT BENNING: SPC Richard Davis
In 2003, Specialist Richard Davis and his unit returned from an Iraq deployment. Richard and 4 of his military buddies (Mario Navarette, Alberto Martinez, Jacob Burgoyne, and Douglas Woodcoff) decided to paint the town red while they were on their 2-day R & R (rest & relaxation). The next morning, when everyone reported to work, Richard didn’t show up. His leadership thought he’d gone on a bender, maybe he was with a girl, but after 48-hours, they contacted Richard’s father to inform him that his son was absent without leave (AWOL). Lanny Davis, Richard’s father, and a veteran himself knew something was off. And he began his search for his son. Four-months later, they’d find Richard…
Dig in with Margot as she discusses a case that caught the attention of Hollywood. In 2007, a movie titled, “In the Valley of Elah” featured the case covered in this episode. The lead actors were Tommy Lee Jones, Charlize Theron, and Susan Sarandon. But the movie was “based on this case” and the reality of what happened is a bit different.
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Specialist Richard Davis.
Remy Davis and her husband hold a photo of their son U.S. Army Spc. Richard Davis, 24, of St. Charles, Mo., while standing in the living room of their home Thursday, Nov. 13, 2003. Four soldiers from the same company are accused of stabbing him to death in July, three days after they all had returned to Fort Benning, Ga., from combat duty in Iraq. Army investigators acting on a tip found Davis’ body last Friday in woods near the base, nearly four months after he was reported missing July 14, 2003. (APPhoto/James A. Finley)
Alberto Martinez was convicted of Richard Davis’ murder. Image obtained on 17 Jan 21 from the Georgia Department of Corrections Website.
Mario Navarrete was convicted of Richard Davis’ murder. Image obtained on 17 Jan 21 from the Georgia Department of Corrections Website.
Jacob Burgoyne was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Image obtained on 17 Jan 21 from the Georgia Department of Corrections Website.
Resources:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_T._Davis
- Mark Boal, Playboy, “Death and Dishonor,” May 2004, https://web.archive.org/web/20071013052613/http://playboy.com/magazine/features/death-and-dishonor/death-and-dishonor-p1.html
- Erin Moriarty, CBS News – 48 hours, “Death, Duty, Dishonor,” May 17, 2004. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/duty-death-dishonor/
- https://memoriesofrichard.tripod.com/
- https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/features/collateral-damage-the-murder-of-richard-davis-768865.html (good long article and first interview with Lanny Davis)
- https://www.wtvm.com/story/7784308/navarrete-murder-conviction-upheld/ https://www.myplainview.com/news/article/Convicted-soldier-presses-for-new-trial-in-death-8557332.php
- https://caselaw.findlaw.com/ga-supreme-court/1239768.html
- https://www.northwestgeorgianews.com/murder-sentence-upheld-in-slaying-of-iraq-vet-by-fellow-vet-georgia-new/article_4b26070c-9fb4-511a-a473-577234d79eb9.html
- https://www.9news.com/article/news/fourth-soldier-sentenced-in-murder-of-infantrymanbr/73-344572612
- https://www.walb.com/story/1519107/soldier-killed-comrades-arrested/
- https://www.michigandaily.com/content/parents-us-soldier-blame-unit-members-murder
