In a chilling reminder of the dangers lurking in urban environments, Lavar Davis, a 46-year-old ex-convict, has been charged with the murder of Bronx father Trevor Hughes following a petty parking dispute. This tragic incident marks yet another chapter in Davis’s long history of violence, which dates back nearly three decades.
Davis, who was just 18 when he committed a brutal murder in Schenectady, New York, has a criminal record that includes a 24-year prison sentence for the cold-blooded killing of Floyd Berkley in 1997. After eluding authorities for some time, he ultimately pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was incarcerated until his release on parole in March 2021.
The recent incident unfolded just after 2 a.m. on a Sunday, when Davis and his girlfriend parked outside Hughes’s home, blocking the father’s designated parking spot. What began as a minor confrontation escalated into a fatal altercation. According to the NYPD, Davis allegedly shot Hughes, a beloved father of four, during the dispute, while also reportedly beating Hughes’s girlfriend during the chaos.
Bronx prosecutors highlighted Davis’s violent history during his arraignment, revealing that his past includes a separate conviction for first-degree assault stemming from an incident in Schenectady where he shot another man, 18-year-old Franklin Hemingway. This pattern of violent behavior raises serious concerns about his release and reintegration into society.
The 1997 murder case saw Davis and an accomplice, Yusef Ramsey, become embroiled in a physical fight with Berkley, with Davis ultimately firing the fatal shot. Following the incident, Ramsey facilitated Davis’s escape by providing him with bus fare. While Davis managed to evade capture initially, he was eventually apprehended by law enforcement.
Following the latest shooting, Davis barricaded himself in his girlfriend’s apartment before being arrested, showcasing a disturbing level of disregard for human life and the consequences of his actions. Now, he faces serious charges once again, with Bronx Assistant District Attorney Lawrence Rozenblum emphasizing that Davis’s violent criminal history is a significant factor in this case.
As the community mourns the loss of Trevor Hughes, the case serves as a stark reminder of the potential for violence that can stem from trivial disputes and the need for ongoing vigilance regarding those who have a history of violent crime. Davis’s return to prison, coupled with the tragic circumstances of Hughes’s death, raises critical questions about public safety and the criminal justice system’s handling of repeat offenders.
As this case develops, many will be watching closely to see how the legal system addresses the alarming patterns of violence exhibited by individuals like Davis, and whether justice will be served for the family of the slain father.
