Davon Thomas was arraigned Friday on a charge of second-degree murder in connection with the death of his 53-year-old grandfather, Emanuel Campbell. Thomas pleaded innocent to the charge; a trial is scheduled for April 2014.
Police found Campbell around noon January 17 in the 2000 block of Maryland Avenue Northeast suffering from head trauma. He was transported to a local hospital and admitted in critical condition.
Court documents state medical staff told police Campbell was intoxicated, disoriented and had swollen eyes and abrasions on his face. A CAT scan was performed on Campbell and discovered bleeding in his brain. Campbell was placed on life support, and on January 31, died from his injuries.
An autopsy concluded the cause of death was multiple blunt injuries.
Thomas, 23, was arrested on February 5 and held on suspicion of second-degree murder in connection with Campbell’s death.
Charging documents state that two witnesses said Thomas had argued with Campbell, his grandfather, over visitors Thomas brought to the family’s apartment. The argument continued when Thomas approached Campbell as he was preparing dinner. A witness told police that Campbell then stabbed Thomas behind his ear, and left the apartment. Thomas followed Campbell, and when the witness went outside, Campbell was laying on the ground bleeding from his head.
The witness told police that Thomas said, “I hit that mother f—; he’s outside on the ground.”
Thomas told police he was trying to escort Campbell inside the home when Campbell stabbed him, so he punched him.
Prosecutors have offered Thomas a plea offer of voluntary manslaughter.
The case is scheduled for a status hearing September 27.
The indictment is below.
