JOSHUA TREE, Calif. — The convictions of Arthur Davies, who was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and assault on a child leading to death, will not be overturned as a judge in Joshua Tree rejected a bid for a new trial on Friday. Davies, a 41-year-old resident of Yucca Valley, faces up to 25 years to life in prison due to these charges linked to the death of 17-month-old Parker Schumacher in 2018.
During a hearing, Judge Rasheed Alexander considered yet left unresolved a motion that could possibly grant Davies a new trial based on allegations of jury misconduct. This allegation arose because it was learned that one of the jurors may have breached protocol by discussing the case with his brother, who is an employee at a business owned by Davies’ family.
Despite the contention surrounding the juror’s conduct, Judge Alexander did not believe the interaction had influenced the jury’s final decision. He stated that while the conduct was concerning, it did not alone merit a new trial. This issue will be revisited on Dec. 30, where testimony from the juror’s brother is expected.
If granted, this would be Davies’ third trial. His first trial, which occurred earlier in 2023, concluded with a split jury on the charges of second-degree murder and assault while finding Davies not guilty of first-degree murder. However, a second trial in November concluded with the jury convicting Davies of the lesser charges.
The tragic events unfolded on Feb. 12, 2018, when Davies was alone with Parker in a room. According to prosecution statements, Davies had inflicted fatal blunt-force trauma to Parker’s head by either shaking him or striking him against a hard surface. Davies’ defense contested these claims, suggesting the injuries could have been the result of an accident.
In another twist, Davies’ sentencing, initially scheduled for Dec. 20, was delayed after an incomplete report from probation officers left his defense attorney, Zulu Ali, with insufficient time to prepare. This led to a rescheduling to allow time for a thorough review of the sentencing and probation reports.
Amid these judicial proceedings, a visibly divided courtroom saw Parker’s mother, family, and friends on one side, with some prepared to deliver victim impact statements. Opposing them were Davies’ family and supporters.
Legal disputes also arose from potential misunderstandings regarding Davies’ custodial role over Parker. Ali argued that Davies should not be held to the standards of someone with full parental responsibilities. However, the prosecution countered that Davies had previously taken care of Parker, indicating an assumed responsibility which the judge ultimately recognized as part of the caregiving role.
These complex layers of legal argumentation and emotional testimonies reflect the grueling process of justice in such heart-wrenching cases. As the community watches closely, the final outcomes of these proceedings will significantly impact all parties involved. Judge Alexander’s decisions in the upcoming hearings will be crucial in determining the final resolution of this tragic case.
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