In February of 2018, the life of 29-year-old Monty Lewayne Davis was tragically cut short in a violent confrontation that began over a dispute about marijuana. On the night of February 23rd, Davis had gone to the Birmingham residence of 37-year-old Rajuar Akeil Key. An argument erupted when Key accused Davis of stealing marijuana from him and owing him money.
The verbal altercation escalated into a physical fight, culminating in Key allegedly pulling out a pistol and shooting Davis.
Following the fatal shooting, Key took measures to conceal the crime. He transported Davis's body to the 300 block of Mulga Loop Road in a remote area of western Jefferson County. There, in an attempt to destroy evidence and hinder identification, he set the body on fire. The following day, on February 24, 2018, authorities responded to a report of a brush fire and discovered the remains of Monty Lewayne Davis. An examination by the medical examiner would later confirm that he had been shot.
Jefferson County Sheriff's detectives launched an immediate investigation into the homicide. They diligently followed leads from anonymous tips and spoke with family members to piece together the final hours of Davis's life. Through their investigation, with support from the Metro Area Crime Center, detectives identified Rajuar Akeil Key as the primary suspect. The investigation revealed the sequence of events that transpired at Key’s residence on Eufaula Avenue in Birmingham, leading to Davis's death.
On July 23, 2018, detectives obtained a warrant for Key's arrest, formally charging him with the murder of Monty Davis. For a time, Key remained at large. However, by early August of the same year, he was apprehended and booked into the Jefferson County Jail to face the murder charge. His bond was set at $100,000.
