Roger Michael Evans, a 47-year-old white male from Candler, NC, died on December 23, 2020. His death was the result of a shooting incident that occurred after a night of drinking and arguing with his girlfriend, Shannon Daves. The couple had been in a tumultuous relationship for over six years, and the incident was captured on a pet camera.
Shannon Daves, who was 49 years old at the time, was charged with first-degree murder in the death of Roger Michael Evans. During the trial, Daves' defense attorney argued that she shot Evans in self-defense, claiming that he was in a "drunken rage" and had threatened to kill her. However, the prosecution contended that Daves deliberately shot Evans because he wanted to end their relationship. The jury heard audio from the pet camera and a 911 call made by Daves after the shooting, in which she was crying and screaming.
The case went to trial in 2023, but it ended in a mistrial after the jury failed to reach a verdict. A retrial was held in 2024, and the jury found Shannon Daves guilty of first-degree murder. She was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The prosecution argued that Daves was a controlling girlfriend who manipulated Evans, while the defense maintained that she acted in self-defense.
The tragic case of Roger Michael Evans' death highlights the complexities of domestic violence and the challenges faced by the legal system in determining the truth in such situations. The Buncombe County District Attorney's office expressed gratitude to the jurors for their conscientious deliberations and wished the Evans family peace and healing.
