Motive still unclear in N. Side stabbing
-
Vicki Davis
Share with others:
Having uncovered no obvious signs of marital strife, police said they plan to search a Perry North man's medical records for clues about why he fatally stabbed his wife in their home.
Facing charges including homicide, Joseph "Butch" Davis III, 54, remained hospitalized Thursday, a day after a trail of blood led officers to the body of his wife, 53-year-old Victoria.
"Motive? We don't have one," said Lt. Daniel Herrmann of the city's major crimes division. "There's nothing in this guy's history that he wanted to kill his wife. ... We are going to subpoena his medical records to see what was in his system."
Pittsburgh police said they discovered Mr. Davis in the couple's Richey Avenue home early Wednesday, bleeding from stab wounds and holding a bottle of brandy, saying only that his wife "got what she deserved." Ms. Davis' aunt, Helena Harris, also was stabbed during the attack. Relatives said she remained hospitalized but was improving, with friends and family by her side.
Ms. Davis' relatives on Thursday said they, too, were perplexed as to what could have triggered the violence, in plain view of the couple's 9-year-old adopted son.
"As far as the family is aware, there had not been any evidence of domestic violence over the course of the 30-year marriage," Ms. Davis' sister, M. Burton Brown, wrote in a statement. "Our family is devastated by the loss of our dear mother, aunt, sister, daughter and grandmother. She was the heart and backbone of a large extended family of sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews and cousins."
The boy, who recounted the night for detectives, was "in the compassionate and loving care of family members," Ms. Brown said.
An entrepreneur, Ms. Davis operated Heavenly Care Day Care and Educational Center in the Hill District, and had plans to open a second child care facility, her sister said.
"Ms. Davis' generosity was well-known and she was loved by many people," Ms. Brown wrote. "We wish to thank the neighbors on Richey Avenue and all those who are providing comfort and support during this tragic incident of intimate violence."
Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday and from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Robinson Funeral Home, 2025 Perrysville Ave. Services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at St. Benedict the Moor Church, 91 Crawford St.
First Published September 10, 2010 12:00 am
