Clinton murder suspect denied bond
William Edwards accused of killing Robert Davis
William Edwards accused of killing Robert Davis
William Edwards accused of killing Robert Davis
A Hinds County judge denied bond Wednesday for a Clinton murder suspect.
William Edwards is accused of killing community activist and founder of the Better Men Society founder, 45-year-old Robert "Bobby" Davis. Davis was killed May 1 at a house on Hanna Drive.
The bond hearing before Circuit Court Judge Faye Peterson unexpectedly turned into more of a mini-trial, with testimony of domestic stalking, premeditation of murder and a drive the suspect took north before he was found two days later in New Orleans.
"She stated Mr. Davis went to the door. She heard gunshots being fired. She turned the corner in the hallway, she observed Mr. Edwards standing and firing the last shots," Clinton police Detective Keith Burnett said in court.
Burnett described what Davis' ex-girlfriend told him happened at her home on the afternoon of May 1 — the day she says her other ex, Edwards — showed up and killed him.
"You had the opportunity to talk to Ms. Robinson, did you not?" Jamie McBride, with the Hinds County District Attorney's Office, asked Burnett.
"Yes," Burnett answered.
"Did she mention Mr. Edwards stalking her?" McBride asked.
"Yes. She stated on April 30, the night before the murder, Mr. Edwards came to her residence and blocked her into her driveway. They had a confrontation and exchanged words."
Burnett went on to tell of other incidents the woman told investigators, describing Davis as still a friend and Edwards as someone who wouldn't let go.
The hearing lasted about an hour. It was also learned from testimony that Edwards drove to Lexington, Mississippi, before going to New Orleans, and while there, investigators say he talked to a person who claims he confessed to killing someone. With all of this, Edwards' attorney still fought for his client to be free.
"Just because a person is charged with murder, doesn’t mean that’s a reason not to grant them a bond," Edwards' attorney Thomas Fortner said.
In the end, Peterson denied bond for Edwards on the charges of murder and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
A trial date was set for March.