A North Carolina man has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after being convicted of killing his girlfriend’s seven-month-old son while she was at work.
According to the Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Office, 26-year-old Zaki Davis was found guilty of first-degree murder in the death of Israel Williams last month. On Wednesday, a judge formally sentenced him to spend the rest of his life behind bars.
Prosecutors said the tragic incident occurred on December 17, 2021, when Davis was caring for the infant at his home in northwest Charlotte.
During the evening, Davis had been watching Israel while his girlfriend was at work. Authorities said he fed the baby and even sent photos of the child to the boy’s mother throughout the night. At 9:23 p.m., Davis also sent his mother a photo of her holding the baby inside the home.
Shortly afterward, Davis took Israel upstairs. Less than thirty minutes later, the child became unresponsive.
Investigators later determined that the infant had suffered severe injuries described as “non-accidental trauma” inflicted by Davis. Medical officials ruled the baby’s death a homicide.
Authorities did not specify what prompted the violent attack.
Investigators also examined Davis’ cellphone activity from that night. According to prosecutors, records showed that he searched online phrases including “baby acting lifeless” and “baby not responding but heart is” shortly before contacting emergency services.
Just before 10 p.m., Davis called 911. Emergency responders rushed the infant to a hospital, but doctors were unable to save him. Israel was pronounced dead a short time later.
Police arrested Davis a few days after the child’s death. He remained in custody at the Mecklenburg County Jail throughout the legal proceedings leading up to his trial and conviction.
Following the sentencing, Mecklenburg County District Attorney Spencer B. Merriweather III issued a statement highlighting the broader importance of protecting vulnerable children.
He noted that Davis’ sentencing took place on the first day of Child Abuse Prevention Month.
“April is a rife occasion to remind one another about our collective obligation to support and strengthen families, to foster caring communities and to protect all children,” Merriweather said.
The case has drawn attention to the devastating impact of child abuse and the importance of early intervention and community awareness to help safeguard children from harm.