PANAMA CITY — Charges have been upgraded to second-degree murder for a local man accused of beating his girlfriend to death, according to court records.
Justin L. Davis, 28, faced a charge of manslaughter in connection with the August 2014 death of his live-in girlfriend, 31-year-old Jessica Brandy Huey. After a state hospital deemed him competent to stand trial, however, prosecutors filed new charges of second-degree murder against Davis, arguing he was of a “depraved mind” at the time of Huey’s death, court records indicated.
According to amended information prosecutors filed in June, Davis allegedly killed Huey on Aug. 19 by striking her on the face and head. Officials reported those blows broke Huey’s neck, but Davis did not call for medical attention. The series of events “exhibited a depraved mind without regard for human life,” although the alleged actions were not premeditated, the prosecution argued.
The case will continue toward trial despite Davis having been previously deemed incompetent to stand trial. The state hospital that issued the competency ruling reversed itself, and the prosecution is continuing to build its case against Davis.
Police responded to the home of Davis at 600 E. Eighth Court the morning after the alleged attack. Responding officers and EMS personnel discovered Huey already dead at about 8:45 a.m. when they arrived, according to a Panama City Police news release.
Davis and his mother and grandmother had been living in the home until his 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 after witness statements indicated a domestic violence incident led to Huey’s death, the Panama City Police news release stated. Officials reported Davis was arguing with Huey when it escalated into violence. During the fighting, Huey’s neck snapped and she died, officials said.
Davis was still present at the residence and was taken to the police department for questioning.
If convicted of second-degree murder, Davis could face a life sentence. The maximum penalty for manslaughter is 15 years.