In the quiet community of Rawls Springs, just outside of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, a tragedy unfolded that cut short the life of Jacqueline Davis. The 35-year-old woman was found deceased in her own home on the night of November 2, 2018. The initial call to the Forrest County Sheriff's deputies was for a reported shooting, and upon their arrival, they discovered a grim scene. Initially, it was unclear how Davis had died, but an autopsy would later confirm she sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the head.
Living with Davis and her two children at the time was her boyfriend of six years, 32-year-old Robert Anthony Maye. Earlier on the day of her death, Davis had expressed fear of Maye to a coworker at the Shoney's restaurant where she worked. This fear tragically materialized later that evening. When deputies entered the home, they found Maye with Davis's body in his lap. He was arrested at the scene.
The investigation into Jacqueline Davis's death quickly focused on Robert Maye. Another man, identified as Maye's stepbrother Lee Thompson, was also present at the residence when the shooting occurred. According to testimony from one of Davis's children, Maye was heard asking Thompson for a gun, followed by Davis's frightened voice and then the sound of a gunshot. Thompson, who initially denied being at the home, later admitted to his presence and testified against Maye as part of a plea agreement. Gunshot residue was found on Maye's hands.
Robert Anthony Maye was charged with first-degree murder. During his trial, the prosecution presented evidence of a troubled relationship and the events of that fatal night. Despite his defense, a jury found Maye guilty. He was subsequently sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Jacqueline Davis. An appeal of his conviction was later denied, affirming the court's decision and closing the legal chapter on a case that left a family shattered and a community in mourning.
