In the early morning hours of July 28, 2017, the life of 24-year-old Ciara Philumalee was tragically cut short in a shooting on Karstens Drive in Madison, Wisconsin. Philumalee, a female, was shot in the head just before 1:45 a.m. and succumbed to her injuries at a local hospital. Another individual, a 44-year-old man, was also found with a gunshot wound to the jaw but had fled the immediate scene before first responders arrived.
The investigation into Philumalee's death led authorities
to identify two persons of interest, Jennifer L. Lovick, 34, and Korey V. Johnson, 33. A tip from a truck stop near Token Creek Park in DeForest led to their apprehension. Dane County Sheriff's deputies pursued Lovick and Johnson within the park and arrested them.
Further investigation revealed a murder-for-hire plot orchestrated by Donald Davis, Jr. Authorities stated that Davis believed Philumalee had been involved in a robbery against him several days prior to the shooting. In retaliation, Davis put out a "hit" on her, enlisting the help of Lovick and Johnson. Davis allegedly paid Lovick with money and crack cocaine to locate Philumalee. Johnson was also compensated for his assistance in the scheme.
Ultimately, four individuals were convicted in connection with Ciara Philumalee's murder. Donald Davis, Jr. was found guilty of First-Degree Intentional Homicide. Jennifer Lovick pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Felony Murder. Korey Johnson entered a guilty plea for Second-Degree Reckless Homicide, and a fourth individual, Nicole Marco, pleaded guilty to First-Degree Reckless Homicide. The resolution of these cases brought a close to the legal chapter of a senseless act of violence that ended a young woman's life.
