Scott Davis: A Call for Justice to the Fulton County Conviction Integrity Unit
After 19 long years behind bars, Scott Davis’s case stands out as a textbook example of investigative and prosecutorial misconduct—a case that demands a fresh and honest review by the Fulton County Conviction Integrity Unit.
Davis Memo Stephens 4 12 21 revised-1
A recent internal report (dated April 12, 2021) by Sarah Stephens lays out a number of troubling issues that should compel the Unit to seriously consider reducing Scott’s sentence—or even exonerating him outright. Here are some of the most damning findings:
1. **A Failing Burden of Proof**
The report explains that during Scott Davis’ 2006 trial, the jury was reminded that “grave suspicion” alone—without clear, direct evidence—is not enough for a conviction. Despite the prosecution’s own closing arguments acknowledging significant gaps (such as the fact that Davis could not have committed certain acts alone), the case against him was built more on conjecture and speculative theories than on hard, unequivocal evidence. In fact, several admissions during trial even hinted that Davis might not have been the one who committed any actual crime.
2. **Denial of a Fair Defense**
One key failing of the trial was the exclusion of evidence regarding Mr. Coffin’s cocaine use. The report notes that such evidence, if allowed, might have painted an entirely different picture of the circumstances surrounding Mr. Coffin’s death—potentially suggesting that other actors or even alternative motives were at play. This critical omission undermined the opportunity for Scott to raise reasonable doubt and mount an effective defense.
3. **Shocking Evidence Mishandling and Misconduct**
The investigation into Scott Davis’ case is riddled with procedural errors and misconduct. The report reveals that:
– Approximately 72 items of evidence were lost or destroyed before trial—a loss that not only deprived the defense of a full opportunity to challenge the prosecution’s case but also raises serious questions about the integrity of the investigative process.
– Detective Chambers, the lead investigator, is accused of several ethical breaches. His affidavits contain false claims (such as stating blood was found on Davis’ shoes when it was later revealed to be nothing more than dried mud), and he even threatened Davis with the death penalty during interrogation. Multiple instances of stopping audio recordings during interrogation and conflicting testimonies further tarnish the credibility of his conduct.
– There was also a push to implicate a co-conspirator—namely, Davis’ brother, Bret—which fell apart under scrutiny since Bret’s alibi was strong and uncontested during crucial timeframes.
4. **Systemic Failures in the Prosecution and Evidence Handling**
Beyond the investigation itself, the report points to broader issues:
– The District Attorney’s office conducted a questionable wiretap operation, attempting to coax Davis into self-incrimination while also involving individuals with possible conflicts of interest.
– A firearms expert, whose testimony was pivotal for the state, was later discredited after being fired for falsifying reports.
– Even during the trial, there were irregularities such as the use of media feed monitoring that, while not influencing attorney-client communications, still smacked of impropriety and breached professional ethics.
**A Plea for Integrity and Justice**
The cumulative weight of these findings paints a picture of a case steeped in prosecutorial overreach, investigative negligence, and procedural irregularities. Scott Davis’s conviction was, at best, the result of a deeply flawed process—a process that the very integrity of our judicial system depends on.
For someone who has been incarcerated for nearly two decades under such circumstances, it is more than time for the Fulton County Conviction Integrity Unit to step in. Whether by reducing Scott’s sentence or entirely exonerating him, the Unit must act to restore faith in the justice system and, most importantly, give a man his freedom.
We urge all who believe in fairness and integrity to join us in demanding that justice be finally served for Scott Davis.
