PANAMA CITY — A local man accused with the beating death of his girlfriend has been deemed incompetent to stand trial and committed to a state mental health facility until he can stand trial, according to court documents.
Justin L. Davis, 28, previously pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity after he was arrested in connection with the August death of 31-year-old Jessica Brandy Huey. He was deemed incompetent to stand trial and committed to a state mental hospital, court records indicated.
Prosecutors said Monday after a hearing on the status of his condition that he is in a mental hospital until he can resume taking medications. Depositions are being taken in anticipation for Davis to be deemed competent, prosecutors reported at the hearing. He remains in the mental hospital until then.
Davis was initially arrested on an open count of murder, but he now faces one count of manslaughter in connection with Huey’s death.
Police responded to the home of Davis at 600 E. Eighth Court the morning of Aug. 20. Responding officers and EMS personnel discovered Huey already dead at about 8:45 a.m. when they arrived, according to a Panama City Police release.
Davis’ mother and grandmother and Davis had been living in the home until the girlfriend moved in about a month before the incident, according to neighbors’ accounts. Many had seen the couple walking together through the neighborhood the day before.
Police later arrested Davis on charges of murder after witness statements indicated a domestic violence incident led to the woman’s death, the PCPD news release stated. Officials reported Davis was allegedly fighting with Huey when her neck snapped and she died.
Davis was present at the residence and was taken to the police department for questioning. Police reported their investigation revealed Davis had become involved in a physical altercation with the victim, which resulted in her death.