James Christopher Davis, a 45-year-old African American man from Salisbury, NC, was tragically shot and killed on April 21, 2018, at the Fishzilla Arcade on East Innes Street. Davis, who was an employee at the arcade, was found with a gunshot wound to the chest and was transported to Novant Health Rowan Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead around 3:20 a.m.
The incident occurred during a scuffle involving Davis, his longtime girlfriend Cheviss Bennett, and Dedric Michelle Mason, a 42-year-old social worker. The altercation began as a verbal argument and escalated into a physical fight, during which Mason shot Davis. Mason was arrested and charged with second-degree murder.
The case went to trial, and on September 23, 2021, Mason was found guilty of second-degree murder and sentenced to a minimum of 12.5 years and a maximum of 16 years in prison. The prosecution argued that Mason acted unlawfully in killing Davis, while the defense claimed that Mason acted in self-defense and in defense of her friend, Andrea Dillard. The trial lasted a little over a week, and the jury's verdict provided some closure for Davis' family.
Davis was described by his family as a loving and protective individual who was the glue that held his family together. His death left a significant impact on his family, especially his youngest daughter, who was only three years old at the time. The family continues to mourn the loss of their protector and provider.
