Man Indicted and Faces Life in Prison for 'Brutal Killing' Following FC Cincinnati Match, Prosecutor Says
ICARO Media Group
Cincinnati, Ohio - Lavontez Davis, a 24-year-old man, has been indicted in connection with the death of 48-year-old Jason McKinnon following an FC Cincinnati match in early October, according to Hamilton County Prosecutor Melissa Powers. Davis now faces charges of two counts of murder, one count of felonious assault, and one count of strangulation.
The incident occurred on October 4, just a short distance from TQL Stadium where the FC Cincinnati match had concluded. The altercation between Davis and McKinnon was captured on camera on 14th Street in Over-the-Rhine. McKinnon, wearing an FC Cincinnati jersey, was walking back from the match with his wife when he noticed Davis' girlfriend, a DoorDash driver, seemingly preparing to turn down the wrong way on a one-way street.
Powers explained that McKinnon made a comment to the female driver, prompting Davis to exit the vehicle shortly after. In the video presented during the press conference, Davis is seen running up to McKinnon and launching an attack.
"The driver's boyfriend ran up to the victim and attacked him," Powers described. "He punched him in the face and then took him to the ground in a chokehold."
The video depicts the two men falling to the ground and then rising briefly before returning to the ground. It was during the second instance on the ground that Davis allegedly choked McKinnon to the point of unconsciousness. Following the assault, Davis and his girlfriend quickly fled the scene in their vehicle.
Upon the arrival of police officers, McKinnon was transported to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where he sadly passed away on October 8. Davis was subsequently arrested on October 14 by Cincinnati police.
Davis appeared in court on October 16, claiming self-defense. However, McKinnon's family asserts that he was "brutally beaten to death in an unprovoked assault."
During the court hearing, Davis' bond was set at $1 million by Hamilton County Municipal Court Judge Curt Kissinger. Powers stated on Tuesday that if Davis is found guilty on all charges, he could face life in prison with the possibility of parole after 15 years.
"The brutal killing of an innocent man sends shockwaves throughout our community, shattering our sense of security in Over-the-Rhine," said Hamilton County Prosecutor Melissa Powers.
The trial proceedings are set to begin at a later date, where the evidence and testimonies will be presented to determine the outcome of this tragic case.