On October 16, 2020, 32-year-old Keylan Terrell Davis was fatally shot at the Compass West Apartment Complex in Austintown, Ohio. Born on June 22, 1988, in Youngstown, Ohio, Keylan was the son of Susan Ziegler and Timothy Davis. He was a high school graduate who later earned a culinary degree. Keylan was a licensed realtor, barber, and a devoted Pittsburgh Steelers fan. He had a passion for travel and was known for his radiant smile and affectionate bear hugs. He is survived by his mother, grandmother Betty Wallace, and siblings. He was preceded in death by his father, Timothy Davis; his brother, Josh Davis; and his grandmothers, Rev. Ann Lee Walls and Gloria Davis.
The incident occurred around 9:50 a.m. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots and observed Keylan emerging from an apartment building before collapsing face down on the grass outside. He was transported to St. Elizabeth Health Center, where he was pronounced dead. The Mahoning County Coroner's office confirmed that Keylan died from multiple gunshot wounds, ruling his death a homicide.
Following the shooting, 31-year-old Samuel Richard of Youngstown was identified as the primary suspect. He was charged with murder and possessing weapons while under disability. Richard had a criminal history dating back to 2010, including charges of resisting arrest, obstruction, domestic violence, disorderly conduct, burglary, felonious assault, and multiple weapons offenses. At the time of his arrest, he was on parole for a previous offense.
In November 2020, a Mahoning County grand jury indicted Richard on charges of aggravated murder, murder, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. The indictment included specifications for firearm possession and Richard's status as a repeat violent offender, which could lead to enhanced sentencing if convicted.
On October 31, 2022, Samuel Richard pleaded guilty to the murder of Keylan Davis. He was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison by Judge John Durkin in the Mahoning County Common Pleas Court. Additionally, Richard pleaded guilty to a separate felonious assault charge related to a shooting incident in Youngstown that occurred four days prior to Keylan's death. For this charge, he received a concurrent sentence of five to six years in prison.
The tragic death of 32-year-old Keylan Terrell Davis, an African American man, left a profound impact on his family and the Youngstown community. His legacy is remembered through his professional achievements and the cherished memories held by those who knew him.
