Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Teen might back out of murder plea in student’s death

Christopher Privett

Christopher Privett

A teen who pleaded guilty to murdering Palo Verde High freshman Christopher Privett last year was confused about the plea and could still back out of an agreement that calls for 28 years to life in prison, his lawyer said.

District Court Judge Stefany Miley put on hold Wednesday the sentencing of 17-year-old Gerald Davison for about six weeks at the request of his attorney, Osvaldo Fumo.

Fumo met with Davison several times leading up to today’s sentencing hearing and said it was clear the teen didn’t fully understand the consequences of pleading guilty to murder.

Davison could still withdraw his plea and go to trial, Fumo said.

“He was asking us certain questions that gave us pause on whether or not he completely understood before we go forward with sentencing,” Fumo said. “Even for someone who’s above 21, this is a hard thing to have in front of him. He’s going to spend a lot of time in prison.”

Davison pleaded guilty in July to first-degree murder with use of a dangerous weapon in the death of Privett, a classmate, and attempted murder for firing a gun at three of Privett’s friends.

Privett, 15, died from a gunshot wound to the chest on Feb. 15, 2008.

Another defendant in the shooting, 20-year-old Ezekiel Williams, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and accessory to murder charges. He’s serving a minimum of eight years in prison.

Authorities say Williams drove the car that Davison fired from, following a verbal altercation between the two groups.

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